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1941 Vashon Island News-Record Summary (Mike Sudduth)

January 1941

January 2, 1941

• Frank Fuller Victim Of Heart Attack – The entire community was terribly shocked Friday afternoon as news spread of the death of Frank Fuller.  Mr. Fuller, who was an ardent sportsman, had gone out soon after lunch to fish off Ellisport, his home.  He had been out for some time, and had talked with fishermen in other boats, apparently in his usual health.  Shortly after the last persons to speak to him had rowed away they looked back and saw that he had fallen in such a manner that his body was partially over the side of the boat.  Death was due to a chronic heart condition from which Mr. Fuller has been suffering for several years, but of which only relatives and intimate friends were aware.  Mr. Fuller was born in Seattle October 18, 1880, coming with his parents to the Island at the age of three.  Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Presbyterian Church.  Interment was in the Vashon Cemetery.

• Inhalator Now At Phone Office – Due to the fact that the county building at Center is frequently locked, and it would be impossible without breaking a window to get the inhalator in case of emergency, with attendant delay, arrangements have been made with C.L. Garner, local manager of the Puget Sound Power & Light Co., to keep the instrument in the company’s office at Center, where it will be easily available 24 hours each day.  If need for the inhalator arises central can be notified and the door will be opened, if it is night or a holiday, otherwise at regular hours the office will be occupied.  If there is no phone available central can be called from the booth just inside the door of the phone office, and the operator on duty will produce the inhalator.

• High Tides, Wind And Rain Cause Much Grief – Normally high water swept in by strong winds, accompanied by rain, caused considerable trouble to Tahlequah folks during the last few days.  At the height of the recent storm that swept the entire Sound country, two small fishing boats were endangered when their anchors failed to hold where they were berthed and tied together at the Point Defiance ferry slip, and they were driven practically on the beach at the Yankee Boy dock.  No one was aboard either craft, and an effort was made by Tahlequahites to contact the Coast Guard, but telephone service was out to Tacoma.  The boats were scuffed up a bit, keels damaged, but shafts and propellers were O.K.  The look-out station at the R.K. Beymer home, which has been a landmark for years, was turned into a shambles by the high wind.  Bulkheads, too, took a beating, and the beach was lowered at least a foot.  It is just beginning to build up again.  Lee Fry saved a small inboard boat that was moored under the ferry pier.  He wadded in, and held the craft off until help arrived and it was moored in deeper water.  The storm at one time reached in intensity that which swept the Sound several years ago on October 22.  So deep was the water on the path between the Dr. David B. Cook property and that of C.W. Hager that it became necessary at times to use the county road.  High water will be the rule from now on at various times, and Tahlequahites are hoping that the weather will be calm.

 January 9, 1941

• Memorial Bowl Wanders Away Again – Members of the Camulos Club are distressed over the loss of a glass bowl which disappeared several months ago from the memorial niche at the Island Club.  The niche is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Linda Wise, and the lovely old glass bowl was placed in it by Mrs. Atta Allison, a long time friend.  It was an heirloom, and treasured highly by members of her family.  Mrs. Allison deeded it a fitting memorial to one whose life had been devoted to the development of that which was lovely and kind, as was Mrs. Wise’s.  The bowl was filled with flowers at each meeting of the Camulos Club, of which Mrs. Wise was a charter member.  It is altogether likely that at some other meeting it was taken from the niche and used for this same purpose, then carried home filled with flowers by someone, placed on a cupboard shelf and forgotten.  More than a year ago this bowl disappeared.  After looking for it a long time the Camulos Club members appealed for its return through the News-Record.  It was not long until it appeared in the niche as unexpectedly as it had disappeared.  It is hoped that such will be the case now.  No thought is entertained that the bowl has been stolen, merely that it has been taken home and forgotten.  Although it is lovely old glass that might be prized highly by an amateur collector its value in dollars and cents is insignificant in comparison with its sentimental value.

• Americar To Make Performance Run Here Saturday – Starting from the Island Garage at Center Saturday morning, January 11, at 8 o’clock Ed Zarth, accompanied by the local peace officer, will begin an economy and performance run of the new Americar, for which Mr. Zarth is local agent.  With 10 gallons of Standard gas in the tank the car will be driven continuously from the Burton intersection to Vashon Heights as long as the gas holds out.  Each trip will be numbered so interested spectators can go about their regular duties between trips and at the same time keep track of the progress being made.  The car to be used is a stock Americar de luxe, which has been used as a demonstrator.  Mr. Zarth is confident that on 10 gallons of gas his car will make the 10 mile trip between the terminals 30 times.  There will be no excess speed, and necessary stops will be made to allow Mr. Shattuck to take care of official duties, or any emergency that night arise.

• No New Boat For North End – There has been recurrent rumor of a new boat on the Harper-Vashon Heights-Fauntleroy run.  However, according to official information, this is as yet purely rumor and the Elwha, barring accident, will continue in the future as at present.  Officials of the Puget Sound Navigation Company said the Vashon would not be returned to this run for the simple reason that it is not large enough to handle present business.

• Game Called At 7:45 Fans Please Note – Due to the fact that a boat load of rooters will accompany the Bainbridge players Friday night the game cannot be called until 7:45.  Seats in the balcony will be at a premium; the visiting team will have lots of support, so it is hoped that the Pirates will have more than an even break, and the support of a big and noisy rooting section of Vashon fans.  IT’S BETWEEN THE TWO BEST ISLANDS IN PUGET SOUND!

• The Report of Condition of Vashon State Bank at the close of business on December 31, 1940 showed total assets of $229,627.49.

• The wedding of Miss Dorothea Mae Shepherd to Mr. Robert Roy Wilber was announced.

 January 16, 1941

• Interest In Commercial Club Indicated By Last Monday’s Good Attendance – Approximately 125 members of the Vashon Island Commercial Club attended Monday night’s meeting and enjoyed an excellent dinner, prepared by Dorothy Wick and Eloise Hawkins of the Alibi staff, and served efficiently by young men, members of the club.  Various committee reports were given.  Paul Billingsley reported that the ferry committee had already secured a promise from our own state senator and representatives and other members of the legislature to work for a program of state operation of ferries.  They are being asked, also, to assist in having our main highway made a part of the state highway.

• Proposed Road Program For Vashon-Maury Island – At the request of Archie Phelps, commissioner for the South District, an outline of a proposed road program for Vashon-Maury Island was drawn up by members of the road committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club.  The list of projects was submitted to members of the Commercial Club at a dinner meeting held Monday night, and was read by J.F.Shaw, chairman, as follows: 1. Sidewalk from Burton to the Judd Creek Bridge.  2. Corner at Burton hotel graded off; bank on east side of road to property line graded off from post office to dock.  3. Rock wall on Shawnee road at wash out.  4. Repairs and bulkhead on Portage-Ellisport road recently damaged by storm and tides; recommendation that bulkhead be of concrete or rock, be completed over a period of years.  5. Parking space at head of Vashon Heights dock to be enlarged.  6. Open road from parking space due south to Biloxi road.  7. Bank cut down, and trees removed at Olsen’s corner, Bethel Park.  8. Covington’s corner to be cut down.  9. Yellow strip on highways be repainted.  10. Widen Rosehill, a road on Maury Island, one-half mile down hill.  11. Improvements on Pohl road.  12. Present blacktop roads should be inspected and necessary repairs made.  13. Cutting down two high spots on the Ellisport-Vashon Ridge road near Klahanie Beach road.  Oiling for the coming season was recommended as follows:  1. West Pass road (Farm to Market) to Cove; three-eighths of a mile.  2. From pavement through Cedarhurst to Covington Corner.  3. From intersection of Farm to Market road to Cemetery road, south over Lamme road to connect with road now oiled at Lara’s corner.  4. From KIRO to Robinson Point.  5. Masonic Hall, Burton, west to meet Shawnee road.  6. Telephone office west to Lisabeula church.  7. Roads having had first coat of oil should be given second coat.  (Note: At the request of the president of the Commercial Club, and members of the road committee, we want to explain that the item figures do not indicate the order in which the foregoing will be taken care of.  Some of these well down in the list will be given first place in the program which is to extend over a period of two to four years.  Likewise the new commissioner may see fit to add certain other items not included on the list submitted by the road committee.)

• The obituaries of Mrs. Ada Cowan and Frank A. Fuller were published.

 January 23, 1941

• The Sportsmen’s Column by Uncle Joe – Vashon Island has its AUNT AGGIE so the sportsmen decided last meeting night that they should at least have an uncle.  I wish I could play the rich uncle part.  Well people, the drive for members is still on and all males from 16 and up are eligible and we don’t care how old you are.  The dues are still only $3 a year, which is only 25 cents a month.  Now where in this neck of the woods would you get a value like this?  For two bits, two snappy meetings a month.  Well worth the price of admission alone; on top of that, the most unique clubhouse in the west; the use of the rifle range for both 22 and scatter gun range, and by the way that small bore scatter gun is getting mighty popular.  In competition last Friday, Big Bull – George Davis broke nine out of ten, and he says he can take anybody’s money and spot them two birds in the bargain.  The streamlined duck was won by our third-termite, George McCormick (yeah and we drafted him too) got one out of ten.  Joe Green, D. Williams and Wormy Magill are cooking up a lot of other ways for members and their friends to entertain themselves, and don’t forget your friends are always welcome at our meetings.  A few life memberships are still available, another bargain at $25.  Step up, you tired business men, and purchase a lifetime of enjoyment and relaxation.  Contact team captains for the drive.  William Shakespeare and George Schoepell, or any member for this year’s tickets.  One member, who drives a bus, requests “Advice to the Love Lorn” but I will leave that to AUNT AGGIE.  More next week, Your “UNCLE JOE”

• Measles Epidemic Spreads On Island – Though classed as a children’s disease the epidemic of measles now spreading on the Island seems to have little regard for age.  In addition to students from high school and grammar grades two teachers have already fallen victim.  The disease, which broke out ten days ago, is in a light form and the pupils are allowed to return to their classes in a short time.  Unfortunately several of the basketball players have contracted measles, which may have a bearing on the outcome of the remainder of the season.

• Mystery Package Picked Up On Beach – While walking along the beach at Indian Point Sunday morning Mrs. W.R. Reese discovered a bundle of clothing floating in the water near shore.  That it had been in the water but a short time was apparent, for the articles inside were scarcely wet.  The bundle was turned over to Deputy F.J. Shattuck, who believes there may be some connection with one of the missing persons cases which frequently come to his attention.  The articles tied up in a flowered flannel bathrobe were a pair of tennis slippers and brown leather oxfords, size 6, crownless straw beach hat, Burgundy felt hat, blue woolen gloves, underwear, brown slipover sweater with yellow stripes, white and yellow handkerchief, 10 assorted cook books, six pairs worn hose, bunion pads.  This assortment of personal belongings is scarcely the type with which one would start out on a trip, but which could arouse a lot of conjecture on the part of one finding it.

• YOU are cordially invited to attend the 2nd Anniversary Party and Carnival Dance of Island Post, American Legion at the Island Club Saturday evening, January 26.  Club Orchestra of Seattle.  Tickets 75 cents.  Ladies Free.  Fun and Favors.

 January 30, 1941

• Two Candidates Chosen In Miss Vashon Island Title Contest – Chosen by such a wide margin that there could be no doubt of the wishes of the students, Anne Edwards, senior, was chosen as the high school’s candidate for “Miss Vashon Island” in an election held Tuesday.  Miss Freida Jones has been chosen by the Camulos Club as their entry.

• The obituary of Mrs. (Margaret Hood) John McIntosh was published.

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February 1941

February 6, 1941

• Increased Power Makes KIRO Super-Power Station in NW – Recognizing the need for improved radio service to Western Washington, the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday granted a power increase to 50,000 watts to station KIRO.  This increase to 50,000 watts provides the first super-power station ever to be granted in the Pacific Northwest and will make KIRO the most powerful station north of Salt Lake and San Francisco, and east of Minneapolis.  The increase came in the form of an amendment to the previous authorization by the Federal Communication Commission of an increase for KIRO from 1,000 watts to 10,000, and will become effective upon the construction of KIRO’s new transmitter and directional antenna system here on Vashon Island.

• Joint Committee Reports Favorable Progress – Two bills in support of the Vashon Island ferry program have now been introduced in the House of Representatives.  These are House Bills No. 7 and No. 203, of which No. 7 proposes repeal of those provisions of existing laws which established certificates of necessity, etc., in respect to ferries, while 203 proposes to extend State Highways 14 from Harper, its present terminal, to Tahlequah via Vashon Heights and the main Vashon Island highway.  This program is a new approach to the ferry problem.  In 1937 we introduced a bill providing for state operation of all ferries, which bill died in committee.  In 1939 we introduced a bill, modeled after the suggestion of Governor Martin and the Department of Highways, to enable the Toll Bridge Authority to condemn and purchase ferries and to issue revenue bonds for this purpose.  This bill came out of committee and secured almost half the votes in the Senate.  At the critical time it failed to receive enough administrative support to insure passage.  Now in 1941 we have taken generally the advice of our representatives in House and Senate with whom committees of the Commercial and Democratic Clubs have held numerous conferences, beginning during the primary campaign and continuing to the present.  We hope through their recommendations to secure the passage of legislation which will materially improve the ferry situation.  We want to make such gains in 1941 as are within reach, rather than reach for the moon, which is probably out of reach as it was in 1937 and 1939.  Space is lacking here to explain fully the methods by which your committees hope to make House Bills 7 and 203 the means of bringing better ferry service.  We can, however call attention to three obstacles which have checked our reform program in the past and which those bills will remove:  1. The Department of Public Service confesses that after it has given a certificate of necessity it cannot demand ferry service adequate to the needs of a community.  2. The Department of Public Serive confesses that it lacks power to repeal or cancel a certificate of necessity, even if the operator gives inadequate service or is otherwise undesirabe.  3. While the State has power, asserted definitely in a decision of the Attorney General in 1940, to operate ferries under the Department of Highways and to utilize for that purpose money from the Motor Vehicle fund, this power is limited to ferries serving Primary State Highways.  This power may prove essential in such emergencies as strikes as well as being a possible alternative for private operations that have become unsatisfactory.  Representatives J.O. Gates and W.J. Beierlein have introduced these bills in the House and Senator Mel Neal will give them hearty support in the Senate.  Your committees have spent much time in Olympia as sponsors.  Legislators and committees are doing their best, in accordance with their best judgment, to win this year some improvement in our transportation situation.  We ask the continued support of the people of Vashon-Maury Islands.  Paul Billingsley, Chairman for Vashon Island Commercial Club.  H.C. Cronander, Chairman for Democratic Club.

 February 13, 1941

• Operators And Union Make 3-Year Agreement – Assuring Vashon Island and other cross-Sound localities continuous ferry service, uninterrupted by strikes for the next two years, the Inland Boatmen’s Union on Friday accepted a new pay proposal from the Puget Sound Navigation Company.  This constitutes the longest period of freedom from threat of ferry strikes that this section has had since 1934.

• Ferry Bills Need Support – The past week has seen no progress for our ferry bills at Olympia, House Bills No. 7 and No 203.

• Ferry Fails To Make Trip: Use Boats, Outboards – Operators of the M.F. Fox Island making regular trips (at times) between Point Defiance and Tahlequah, threw a monkey wrench in the transportation machinery Saturday afternoon at 12:30 o’clock when the ferry failed to make its scheduled run.  Various reports as to why the trip was not made are making the rounds, but motor vehicle operators and foot passengers who had planned to leave Point Defiance at 12:30 p.m. know only that the run was not made, and that they either had to rent boats at the Point Defiance pavilion or twiddle their thumbs on the ferry pier until 2:30 p.m.  Some rented outboards and others hired rowboats to make the trip.  Now the M.V. Vashonia is on the run between Point Defiance and Tahlequah, and the omission of the 12:30 p.m. trip Saturday bears out the contention of the State Department of Public Service that it is powerless to force the ferry operators to give adequate service.

• Score Eleventh League Victory – Last Friday night, Vashon’s undefeated basketball squad, backed by three loads of hilarious rooters, chalked up their eleventh Tri-County League victory and fifteenth win of the season in a close hand-fought 36-30 contest over South Kitsap’s Wolves to put themselves three games out in front of the league.

 February 20, 1941

• Pirates Receive 40-37 Overtime Scare – by Paul Schwartz – Pulling one of the biggest surprises of Vashon’s perfect season, a hustling bunch of Bremerton High School players, comprising the B squad, came from behind to come within an eyelash of slamming the gate shut on the winning streak of Coach Bob Eckman’s hoop quintet in last Friday’s thrilling court battle in the Vashon Gym. After trailing 9-2 at the end of the first quarter; 19-11 at halftime and 35-20 at the third quarter, the navy yard boys uncorked a wild rally of long shots and pivot shots through the center of the Vashon zone that brought them up even with the Pirates at 37 all when the regular playing period ended.  Bob Wight converted a free throw and slammed home a long shot to give Vashon its three-point lead in the wild overtime that followed and enabled the Island team to chalk up the season victory, Number 17.  WINNING STREAK HOLDS – Completing their 1940-41 basketball schedule for league games the Vashon Pirates tucked away another contest to run their string of victories to 18 straight games, while winning the Tri-County League championship undefeated.

 February 27, 1941

• Navigation Company Again Discriminates Against Residents Of Vashon And Maury – Service To Island Curtailed Because Skansonia Hits Mud Flats – by C.R. Roediger – Here’s a three-act farce produced by the Washington Navigation Company in which residents of Vashon and Maury Islands, as well as hundreds of persons desiring transportation to and from this district, are made pawns by an organization that merely scraps its franchise whenever the occasion arises.  Act 1. Narrows Bridge span collapses, Washington Navigation Company starts service between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor, with the result that schedule to Vashon Island is disrupted.  Act 2.  Ferry operating between Point Defiance and Tahlequah takes a jaunt to city waterway, No warning is given; 2:30 p.m. trip is merely discontinued for the occasion.  Act 3.  M.F. Skansonia hits mud flats near Gig Harbor.  Ferry operating to Vashon Island is pressed into service, and 5:30 p.m. trip to Tahlequah (one of the most important on the schedule) is discontinued without notice.  Foot passengers and motorists twiddle thumbs while waiting for 6:30 p.m. trip or rent rowboats and outboards from Point Defiance pavilion.  In addition, there is a number of scenes where the Navigation Company is tardy in making regular trips, causing inconvenience to residents of Vashon and Maury Islands.  The Sunday afternoon schedule was a lulu.  There were so many cars awaiting the 4:30 trip out of Tahlequah that it was necessary to make an additional run.  After this there was no service until 8:45, 15 minutes later than the schedule calls for.  The fact is that any emergency arising directly or indirectly from the collapse of the Narrows span has caused great inconvenience to patrons from this district, and matters are made worse by the impudent attitude of the Washington Navigation Company traffic department.  Trips are discontinued without notice and the ferry company operators appear to consider their franchise between Point Defiance and Tahlequah as a “mere scrap of paper.”  When complaints are registered with the employees of the company by Vashon and Maury Island folks they are met with a shrug of the shoulder or a silly grin, according to reports.  Such methods tend to embitter ferry patrons, instead of good will, which is essential in the successful operation of any business.  No definite information is forthcoming as to when the Skansonia will be off drydock.  Consequently, folks wishing to make trips to and from the Island will just have to trust to luck in the matter of transportation.

• Pirates Eye District Tournament – by Paul Schwartz – Having blazed through the season thus far with twelve league victories for the 1940-41 Tri-County League Championship, and having won six outside games, the Vashon Island High School’s basketball team will now enter the West Central District Tournament at Bremerton, to be held from March 5th to 10th.

• Editorial - It Happened Again – Again and once again Vashon-Maury residents have failed to get mail on schedule.  Of course this is nothing new, for the schedule has been disrupted in various and sundry ways during the past several years, some of which could be classified as “acts of God” and others which could be attributed to his Satanic majesty and the weakness of mankind.  All of which the people of the Island, in their easy-going way, have overlooked.  The latest failures, however, have been so flagrant that it will be almost unbelievable if they are overlooked.  The story as we have it is this.  Capt. Verne Christensen, owner of the mail contract, can permit the truck that carries the mail in the winter months, to leave the Tacoma post office only at a stated time, that does not allow a margin wide enough so that he can get a front seat in the Gig Harbor ferry line-up.  It seems that the Toll Bridge Authority has men with guns to see that everyone keeps in his place.  It seems also that a truck carrying United States mail looks just the same as other trucks, and must take the same chance as though it were loaded with merchandise.  So it frequently occurs that the mail truck is left behind, and must wait for the next boat.  And the people of the Island, along with those on the mainland dependent on this manner of receiving mail, must wait upon the pleasure of the hirelings of the State.  For two weeks those on the Island rural routes normally receiving mail in the forenoon would have been without mail from Saturday until Tuesday, and this week with Saturday a holiday, from Friday until Tuesday, had it not been for the willingness of our rural carriers.  We don’t believe there is another community in the United States as long-suffering as this, but one wonders how long our patience will continue.

• Sharp Contrast In Transportation Conditions – SKANSIE MAY FORFEIT FRANCHSE – The period of unsatisfactory, inadequate and undependable ferry service between Tahlequah and Tacoma has been costly to Vashon Island.  Traffic on this line, which showed a wholesome increase in the early months of 1940 has been disastrously checked by the type of service given subsequently.  The Department of Public Service has watched this situation with increasing concern and has recently completed a detailed study of the operation.  In the past month matters have been brought to the head by high-handed infractions of the ferry schedule to suit the convenience of the operators.  Scheduled trips have been repeatedly omitted without notice, to the serious injury of commuters and week-end visitors.  Now the Department has acted.  Supervisor of Transportation Benjamin has issued an order on the Washington Navigation Company to show cause why the Department of Public Service should not cancel its certificate of necessity.  Hearing are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3 at the Masonic Hall, Burton.  All residents of Vashon Island who have suffered from the interruptions and delays of the past months, or who wish to secure better service between Tahlequah and Tacoma, should attend this hearing.  BLACK BALL ANTES; IT’S OUR PLAY - The action of the Black Ball ferry management is doubling the ferry service between Vashon Heights and Fauntleroy is a courageous experiment.  This experiment is in close accord with the policies long advocated by the Vashon Island Commercial Club, the Ferry Users’ Committee, the Burton Improvement Club and other organizations of Island residents.  It has been the contention of these organizations that improvement of ferry service must be the first step toward better times for ferry-using committees, and they have further predicted that improved service will be followed by larger traffic and be revenue increases which will in time justify lower rates.  The Black Ball management has now improved the service to an extent we could not have expected.  The new schedule will place Vashon Island in commuting range of Bremerton, and will insure our week-end visitors against delays due to inadequate ferry capacity.  It now behooves us on Vashon Island to bring about the appropriate reaction to these benefits; to use the ferries more often ourselves, and to promote the development of additional housing in anticipation of a large increase in our population.   PAUL BILLINGSLEY, chairman Ferry Committee, Vashon Island Commercial Club.

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March 1941

March 6, 1941

• The Shirley Shop Will Open Saturday – Shining with chromium trimmings, modern and streamlined, The Shirley Shop at Vashon will open for business next Saturday, March 8.  The deep, dark secret of what business was to occupy the new Bacchus building was only recently solved when it became known that it has been leased to Mrs. Shirley Coutts.  Featuring women’s wearing apparel, lovely gift items, infant’s wear, a book nook and lending library The Shirley Shop will cater to the good taste of discriminating feminine shoppers, appreciative of a well-chosen, reasonably priced line of apparel which includes hosiery, millinery, afternoon, street and evening dresses, coats, suits, foundation garments, gloves, bags and various other items of feminine finery.

• To Air Ferry Problems Saturday, March 8 – Public Hearing To Be Held At Burton – A public hearing, scheduled for 11 o’clock, Saturday morning, March 8, in the Masonic Hall at Burton has been ordered by the Department of Public Service.  The cause of this hearing of the Department vs Washington Navigation Company, Inc. (Cause No. FH-7435) is complaint and order to show why certificate of convenience and necessity should not be cancelled.

• Editorial – Needed – A New Viewpoint – The Bible tells us that “As a man thinketh so is he.”  And this might be paraphrased thusly, “As the men and women of a community think, so is that community.”  There are a number of indications that Vashon Island is coming into its own.  For months past there has been a sane and gradual increase in sales of good Island property.  Time are just enough better that a feeling of confidence is being established.  An early spring has been responsible for a happier mental outlook.  But it took the announcement last week that the Black Ball Company had practically doubled its schedule to make a lot of us realize that a busy and profitable season is ahead.  With labor of the Northwest engaged in defense work there will be a minimum of vacations elsewhere, and by June there should not be a vacant house on Vashon Island.  Already this office, and the Commercial Club officers have had requests for houses to rent for the summer, by people who would normally have vacationed elsewhere.  Twenty-one years ago, when quite a number of us landed on Vashon Island those we found here were too busy raising poultry, farm produce, working in the cannery down by the Vashon dock, etc. to analyze what was wrong with Vashon Island.  As a matter of fact they labored under the impression that there wasn’t a great deal wrong with it.  Then came the depression, upon which we blamed a lot, and which became almost chronic.  Given a chance we wouldn’t trade Vashon Island today for what it was when we landed May 1, 1920.  And it’s our bet that if Vashon Island doesn’t grow from now on we won’t be able to blame the frequently blamed ferry company for keeping new blood away.  Now that it has again been discovered our Island is bound to make new strides.  And the biggest help we can give is by giving the same view of the Island we had when we chose it as our home, and as the new neighbors already moving in must have.

• The February 21 wedding of Miss Ingrid Charlotte Hunger to Mr. Karl Morris was published.

• Frank J. Zorn Passes

• New Radio Shop At Vashon – Operated by Lad Morgan and Joe Bourgeois, two Island young men who devoted much time to radio before they regarded it as a business for themselves, the Vashon Radio Service is now located in its own shop, the little new building west of the bank.  Both have spent a number of years in intensive study of radios and their construction, and have opened their own shop when the demand for such service grew, following the closing of the Warner radio shop.  They are offering guaranteed service in repairing radios, and have the RCA-Victor and Emerson agency, as well as carrying a good line of parts, used radios and electrical appliances.

 March 13, 1941

• Skansie Passes Buck To Director Of Public Service – by Paul Billingsley – The people of Vashon Island who attended the hearing at Burton last Saturday found their perennial opponents, the Skansies, taking refuge behind the Director of Public Service.  Skansie witnesses confessed freely to repeated interruptions of our ferry service without notice.  But he claimed immunity because the Director of Public Service had on one occasion, when urgently requested by Skansie officials on the telephone, given verbal permission to do these things.  Other department officials, including the superintendent of transportation, remained in ignorance of this informal arrangement.  It seems obvious to us, of course, that this permission was won from the Director without full explanation to him of the circumstances of the Vashon service, and was abused.  The pretext given for these astounding actions by the Washington Navigation Company on the Vashon run was that emergencies had arisen on ferry runs operated by Skansie Transportation (a separate company) for the Department of Highways.  To this we reply that if the Skansies cannot handle such emergencies on other runs without repeatedly disrupting our schedule then these operators are overloaded in the various guises and should surrender the Vashon Island certificate.  Other matters brought out at the hearing are well known and longstanding grievances, such as:  Skansie’s unwillingness to establish adequate service.  Skansie’s public-be-damned attitude as a manager of a public utility.  Skansie’s inexperience as an operator.  Skansie’s desire to sell out the Vashon service, as known by the attempted disposal of the two ferries, Fox Island and Vashonia.  We sincerely hope that the Department of Public Service will on the occasion find itself able to act in the public interest.  To obtain these benefits above enumerated the Skansie certificate must be cancelled and nothing less than this will satisfy Vashon Island residents.

• The obituary of Mrs. (Florence) Charles A. Pillsbury was published.

• Vashon Breaks District Tournament Jinx; Beats Snoqualmie – Although Vashon’s undefeated Tri-County champions were very badly crippled when they entered the West Central Basketball Tournament at Bremerton last week the fighting Pirates managed to break a jinx that has hovered over them in their last two trips to the tournament.  Once near the end of the final game, against Snoqualmie, the Bulldogs brought the score up to 32-30 but Doug Cullen’s one-hander put the game on ice and Vashon won its first district tournament game in three years.

• The obituaries of Mrs. Sadie C. Gorsuch, Mrs. Katherine Helene (Therkelsen) Hansen, John Collington Gabourel, and Frank Bibbins were published.

 March 20, 1941

• Trio In Speedboat Spread Terror Amid Water Fowl – Gunner Fires Indiscriminately at Ducks and Cormorants – Spreading terror in the ranks of ducks and cormorants that enjoy cavorting in the usually placid waters around Quartermaster Harbor and Tahlequah, a trio of young men in a speedboat fired indiscriminately at the water fowl in a veritable blitzkrieg Sunday afternoon.  The craft was driven at high speed, with the gunner, armed with a shotgun carrying magazine capacity, standing in the middle, and firing at will.  The birds were panic-stricken, a number being killed and wounded.  Reports from Spring Beach said this craft passed by there Saturday afternoon, and indications were that the occupants had been communing for some time with John Barleycorn.  If that were the case, it did not dim the vision of the gunner, as he brought down several birds in flight.

• Ferry Committee On Home Stretch – It may now be stated that during the past week the Ferry Committee of the Commercial Club has been conducting negotiations for the transfer of the Tahlequah ferry certificate from the Washington Navigation Company to the Kitsap County Transportation Company.  These negotiations, while not wholly completed, have proceeded to the point where there is little doubt that the transfer will be made.  But better ferry service alone will not help us unless it can be converted into more traffic, more visitors, more Island residents and more general prosperity.  We must now continue to pull together to bring all these to come to pass.  Ferry Committee, Paul Billingsley, Austin Case, Forbes P. Haskell, and Axel Petersen.

• New Grader For Island – It was announced this week by Supervisor C.M. Ruhlen that the promise of new road equipment, made by County Commissioner Archie Phelps, was being fulfilled with the arrival of the new grader.  In spite of its huge size, weighing 11 tons, it can be operated for 85 cents a day for fuel oil under ordinary conditions.  It is the last word in this type of road equipment.  Powered by a Diesel motor for economy and power it is operated by means of hydraulic controls and is expected to accomplish the work previously done by two graders.  It is a new experience for Vashon Island to get such new and modern equipment as this, for previously we have had to take left-overs from other districts.

• House Destroyed By Fire – Fire, presumably from a defective flue, totally destroyed the home of Ed Hammerquist, west of Vashon Tuesday morning.

• Cars Damaged In Collision – Cars driven by W.H. Callaway and Kelly Weiss were badly damaged as they collided Sunday afternoon on the Roberts road.  The men had been attracted by the brush fire burning nearby, and their vision was impaired by the dense smoke with the resultant smash-up.  Mr. Calloway and his passenger, Miss Amy Herr, were cut and bruised when they hit the steering wheel and windshield.

• Edson Picture Awarded – Norman Edson was notified last week that his humming bird picture, “Bomb Diver”, had been selected in the national exhibit of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Science for first place.  The picture will be used for the cover page of the Academy’s new publication, the Frontier Magazine.  Recently Mr. Edson was invited to enter some of his pictures in an international exhibit of photography in Boston, sponsored by the Museum of Natural History.  Three of the seven he sent were hung.  They were of the leaning madrona near Kingsbury’s, a seagull catching a herring and a tree swallow on its nest in the trunk of a madrona.  The prize winning picture, “Dive Bomber” was of a black chin humming bird diving into a bed of delphinium.  He also submitted the familiar scene of the Mountain, taken at the top of the Vashon Heights hill.

• Trout And Salmon Are Running At Tahlequah – For the first time in weeks, salmon and trout are again running at Tahlequah and in Quartermaster Harbor.  Several good catches were made over the week-end, both in the harbor and waters adjacent to Tahlequah.

• Personal Tax Mystery Solved – At last the mystery of the missing personal tax statements is solved.  Vashon Island business people, failing to receive the usual statement, only last week began to compare notes to find that no one was especially favored, but that simply everyone had been overlooked.  That would have been all right had not one honest soul written in to the treasurer’s office asking “How Come,” which started a search of the records.  It was discovered that the deputy assessor who previously had assessed Vashon Island had gone into other work without reporting before he left that he hadn’t really made a trip to Vashon Island last spring – he had just said he did.  So Tuesday another deputy assessor arrived and assessed business people for last year and this.  He based his 1940 assessment on the 1939 assessment, so instead of paying the personal tax for 1940 in 1941 business people of Vashon Island can have their money to play around with until 1942, and still get a three percent discount, instead of a notice in the middle of the summer that the “sheriff’ll get you if you don’t watch out.”  Now if that isn’t eating your cake and having it what is it?

• Virginia Ham Sez: - “Blackout at High School” – Sho’ ‘nuff, honey chile, de Girls’ Club is presentin’ a Minstrel Show.  Ef yo all wants ta hab a heap good time, be sho’ an sho’ yo lil ol sweet face at de Hi School Friday Evenin,’ March 28.  We all aims ta make yo right happy yo came ta see us each do our act.  Ah don’t like ta brag but by de twenty-eighth ob March, we all’s goin’ ta be de talk ob de town.  From de minit de curtain goes up til’ de time she come down agin dere will be plenty ob laffs ebry minit.  Let me tell yo dat ah heerd it sed dat dere will be plenty oh corn around dere dat night.  Sorry bo’s but it ain’t da kind ya drink.  Dey tell me yo all can git tickets rom eny girl in de school.  Ah’ll be seein’ yo at de Minstrel Sho’.

• Has Miraculous Escape – He isn’t quite sure how he got in a position to be hit on the head by a cement bucket, but Bob Harmeling is definitely sure that reports about his imminent demise were grossly exaggerated.  At any rate Monday afternoon Bob came into violent contact with equipment being used on the national defense job upon which he is working near Manchester, and was struck such a violent blow that we was unconscious for some minutes.  He was taken to the Bremerton hospital, but discharged the next day.  The resultant soreness is in his neck, chest and shoulders, but not in his head, thanks to good, sound Dutch ancestry Bob is sure.

 March 27, 1941

• Selling Campaign Nipped In The Bud – Their career as salesmen and purveyors of patriotism was cut short when three men were questioned and escorted to the ferry Tuesday afternoon by Deputy Sheriff Shattuck.  Wearing service caps, and representing themselves as salesmen for the Veterans of Foreign Wars the men were given a ride to Vashon by Deb Harrington.  They immediately went to work selling celluloid buttons bearing the picture of the flag and the words “God Bless America” which probably cost them three cents, and for which they were getting 25.  One had the ill-fortune to try his salesmanship on John Metzenberg, quartermaster of Island Post who asked for his credentials.  The man showed his membership card from a Tacoma post, and later when the officer was summoned produced a Seattle license to solicit.  Questioning brought forth the admission that they were soliciting not for the V.F.W. but for themselves.  Officer Shattuck invited the men into his car and escorted them as far as the Heights dock.  There were frank in admitting that they had been working this racket for more than a year, in many towns procuring a license or permit to sell.  As they were not guilty of criminal action, as far as Shattuck could learn, he could not arrest them without a complaint, and the salesmen returned to Seattle, mourning that they had not even made expenses.  MORAL:  Patriotism has a time and place, and salesmen, like life, are not always what they seem.  It is always permissible to ask a bell-ringer for his or her credentials, and even then credentials should be taken with the old, well-known grain of salt.  Don’t blame the local V.F.W. post for this skullduggery.  When they conduct a sale it will be with local salesmen.

• Legislative Committee Makes Report – Adjournment last week of the State Legislature left Vashon Island’s legislation program a total loss.  In 1939 we followed the advice of the administration; in 1941 that of the legislators from our district.  In both cases it proved impossible to get the necessary legislative action.  House Bill 7, providing for the repeal of certificates of necessity, died in the Rules Committee.  To get it past this committee we would have been forced to accept amendments which would have nullified our purpose in presenting the bill.  House Bill 203, asking that our main Island highway be designated an extension of Primary State Highway No. 14, died in the Roads and Bridges Committee.  Although it called for no expenditure the bill was vigorously opposed by the Director of Highways on the grounds that he did not wish to send state road equipment across to Vashon Island.  We had proposed to introduce in the Senate a bill to provide for State operation of a ferry between Tahlequah and Point Defiance.  After learning the bitterly hostile feeling of this legislature in regard to State ferries, however, we realized that our proposed bill would only arouse antagonism, so omitted it from our program.  The purchase by the Department of Highways of Skansie’s old ferries for the Narrows service and the inroads made on the Motor Vehicle Fund by this purchase and by the subsequent operating contract granted to Skansie, infuriated all the legislative groups who want this fund expended primarily in their back yards.  This resentment threatened for a time to take the form of a bill prohibiting State ferries.  Our lack of success at Olympia was due, on the whole, to the same old difficulty, State officials refuse to admit Vashon Island to full membership into the State of Washington, and feel free, accordingly, to solve their problems at our expense.  It must be the continuing job of all residents of the Island, individually and collectively, to correct this state of mind and erase this political blind spot.  Paul Billingsley, chairman, Legislative Committee.

• Ann Edwards Chosen Miss Vashon Island

• The “Sea Witch,” with 20 Seattle Sea Scouts aboard, arrived Saturday at Vashon Heights.  The boys camped at the Puget Mills property maintained as a camp for Scouts.

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April 1941

April 3, 1941

• Another Sign Of Spring:  Larry’s Place To Open – One swallow does not make a summer, but when announcement of the opening of Larry’s Place is made we can be definitely sure that Spring is here.  Doing  business at the old stand in Vashon Larry’s will again cater to the taste of those who enjoy good ice cream.  In brick or bulk, hard or soft, even in cones and milk shakes ice cream simply doesn’t come any better than the kind that is manufactured right here at home.  Last Spring on the opening day Larry and his father served 500 ice cream cones in an unbelievable short time, and are ready to keep up their record next Saturday when their place will again open for the season.

• Demonstration Of Carsten’s Products At Kimmel’s Store Saturday – To demonstrate the truth of their slogan, “We don’t put quality on the label; we put it on your table”, there will be a demonstration of Carsten’s hams at the Kimmel store Saturday.

• Heights Grocery Changes Owners – The Heights Grocery is now operating under new management, with Herman Pfeifer the new owner.  The deal, which has been pending for some time, was finally closed last week and Mr. Pfeifer has taken possession.  He has moved from the home he purchased last fall to the apartment in the rear of his store.  Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brosseau, who operated the store for the past 20 years, will remain here to look after their several houses and garages along the highway. 

• Legion Auxiliary Formed – Partial organization of a women’s auxiliary to Vashon Island Post No. 159, American Legion, was accomplished Thursday evening, when Mrs. Marjorie Hanan, district president, visited here.  Officers elected were Norma Creevey, president; Doris Ringdahl, secretary; Dorothy Larsen, treasurer; Mrs. William Berry, historian; Mrs. C.E. Gillio, chaplain; Mrs. J.O. Pedersen, sergeant at arms.

• The obituary of Ann Dahl was published.

 April 10, 1941

• South End Is Promised Fast Ferry Service Soon – This week a deal was closed making the Black Ball Company owners of the South End ferry line, although the Washington Navigation Company will continue to operate until May first.  The Fix Island will be used until a faster and larger boat recently purchased in California is made ready for the run.  This change in ownership marks the conclusion of a four year battle for the kind of service which the ferry committee of the Commercial Club and others with similar vision have felt was essential for development of the South End and southern half of the Island.  Shortage of housing facilities in Seattle and Tacoma, and the natural charm of our Island, plus the easy accessibility provided by fast and frequent ferry service should solve the problem of development of Vashon Island and the South End ferry during the next few years.

• The obituary of Alfred Theodore Olson, of Burton, was published.

• New Building Started At Vashon – Work is well started on the new building which will go up on the Middling property at Vashon.  Harry Janney is in charge.  The structure will extend from the beer parlor to Brenno’s for an auto show room which has been leased by Lloyd Raab, and enclosing the space now utilized by Brenno’s oil rack, which will be used by Mr. Brenno as sales space for tires and auto accessories.  There will be a continuous concrete floor and marquee along a 90-foot frontage.  The showroom, leased by Mr. Raab, will be 20 by 60 feel.  He has also rented the vacant lot between Brenno’s and the theatre for a used car lot.  This is now the only vacant lot in the main business block of Vashon.

 April 17, 1941

• Island Folk To Serve On Jury April 25th – Friday evening, April 25, will be a strange and interesting experience for members of a local audience, as they witness the calendar roll back to the happenings of the “Night of January 16th”, the Senior Class presentation of Ayn Rand’s exciting mystery play that thrilled New York audiences for several months.  This play is unique being the only one in which the audience takes a similarly active part in the plot.  The entire jury will be picked from the audience and will be seated on the stage in the jury box, listening to the district attorney (Doug Cullen) and defense council (Paul Schwartz) argue this exciting murder case and the fate of the defendant, Karen Andre (Marybelle Tonk), with Judge Heath (Bob Smock) presiding.  Others taking part in the play are Don Paton, Howard Hutchinson, Bill Walls, Chuck Allison, Jack Beymer, Betty Gust, Dorothy Johnson, Charlotte Martin, Muriel Morley, Dean Hobson, Bob Ofdencamp, Karl Ellingsen, Virginia Rand, Anne Edwards, Barbara Wheat and Helen Wegener.  The play is directed by Mrs Alice Keyes, whose reputation for student stage successes is an established one. 

• Lay Phone Cable For KIRO – Much interest has been aroused by equipment of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company which has been working on the Island this week.  In a comparatively short time with this equipment 12 workmen have laid almost a mile of underground cable from Portage to the KIRO transmitter.  The only places the men had to dig were where the cable crossed the highway.  It was astonishing to watch how the cable unwound and was buried as a plow made a trench and covered it up in an operation that would have taken days by manpower.

• The wedding of Miss Betty Lynn Bartlett to Donald A. Robinson was published.

• The Report of Condition of Vashon State Bank at the close of business on April 4, 1941 showed total assets of $214,585.51.

• Lisabeula Home Is Destroyed By Fire Sunday – Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the Floyd Williams home at Lisabeula Sunday afternoon, and for a time threatened the schoolhouse and church, both of which caught fire and were damaged.  So rapidly was the dwelling destroyed that little was saved.  Although it was summoned the fire truck was not brought to the scene due to a misunderstanding about its operation. 

 April 24, 1941

• Japanese Boys Win Highest Honors In Senior Class – Announcement was made this week of the ten members of Vashon Island High School’s Class of ’41 making the highest averages over their last four years.  Supporting the outstanding record they have consistently made Geo. Fujioka and Yoneichi Matsuda will be valedictorian and salutatorian respectively.  Not only the Japanese residents but the entire Island can be proud of their record.  The other eight are Helen Wegener, Marybelle Tonk, Ann Edwards, Virginia Rand, Murray Diller, Loren Dana, Jane Hoke and Bill Walls. 

• Seek To Locate Service Men – An effort is being made by veterans groups to obtain the names and addresses of all Island men now in any branch of the service.  To accomplish this an appeal is being made to relatives and friends through this paper.  The list of names secured to date include Thomas Nedderman, Jim Penny, Bob Stoltz, Masado Miyoshi, Gordon Foerschler, Earl Brammer, Allwyn Edson, Earl Hendricksen, Bob Thompson, Jim and Francis Miller, Jerry Menees, Jim Butler, Bill Dahl, Clyde Smith, Tom Bacchus, George Haugland, Vernon Greer, Joseph Milligan.  Parents or friends knowing the present address of these boys are asked to send them to this office as soon as convenient.  As soon as a complete record can be compiled it will be published so that interested friends can write to them. 

• The wedding of Miss Mary Berry to Donald Johnson was published.

• The wedding of Miss Sachiko Mishiro to Mr. George Onchi was published.

• The obituary of Sarah Marguerite Snider was published.

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May 1941

May 1, 1941

• Island Peas On Market Saturday – Chuck Kimmel, produce manager of the Kimmel store, announces that fresh peas from the garden of Frank Enochs will be on sale in his department Saturday.  Frank has one of the finest market gardens in this part of the country but he almost surprised himself by having such fine peas so early in the season.  Featuring Island-grown produce Chuck will have on sale Saturday not only peas but green onions, radishes, asparagus and beet greens from the Enochs gardens and fresh crisp cucumbers from the Stanley and Van House greenhouses.

• Seeing’s Believing – Although the editor has unlimited faith in the veracity of Mrs. Louis Stoltz, Sr. and had every reason to believe her when she said she had ripe strawberries in her garden Saturday we had proof positive Sunday evening when she left a half box of deliciously sweet, ripe, luscious berries at the door.  She reports that they will be picking large quantities in the next ten days of the weather continues good.

• Play Sustains The Interest Of Audience – Although played by a student cast the “Night of January 26” was so cleverly plotted, and skillfully performed that there was not a dull moment from first to last when it was shown here last Friday night.  Seldom have amateurs been given a better vehicle, and members of the Senior Class rose to the situation admirably.  The jury, picked from the audience, contributed materially, adding interest and realism.  So keen was the attention and anticipation that the parents and friends composing the audience were definitely relieved when the jury brought in a verdict of “Not Guilty” for Karen.  Mrs. Alice Keyes, who is a past master at training student actors, is to be congratulated on another Vashon Island High School state success.

• Dr. McMurray’s Condition Is Improved – Dr. F.A. McMurray, whose illness has been a matter of concern to a wide circle of friends, is home from the Seattle hospital to which he was taken last week.  Dr. McMurray is making a slow, but satisfactory improvement, but must remain very quiet for the next two weeks before he will be able to resume practice.

 May 8, 1941

• Ferry Committee Reports On South End Schedule – The ferry committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club is pleased to announce the schedule for the Tahlequah – Point Defiance ferry, agreed upon at a meeting Monday with Captain Alex Peabody of the Black Ball lines.  The first morning trip will leave Tahlequah at 6:15, the next at 7 o’clock then hourly on the hour with the last trip from here at 11 p.m.  The first trip will leave Point Defiance at 6:30 a.m. with regular hourly trips, the last at 11:30 p.m.  This schedule will go into effect on or about May 15, with the ferry “Crossline” on the run.  In order to give this fine service Captain Peabody volunteered to operate two nine-hour shifts instead of the two standard shifts.  This will of course increase his costs and can be justified only on the theory that traffic will follow the service.  It is time now, therefore, for the people of Vashon Island to meet this generous offer by patronizing the new ferry service as fully as possible, and by stimulating travel of all classes of visitors from the mainland.  USE YOUR NEW TACOMA FERRY SERVICE!  Paul Billingsley, chairman Ferry Committee, Vashon Island Commercial Club.

• Editorial – We Need More Keys – Monday an injured boy waited while others scurried around trying to get the ambulance that was locked up in the county shed at Center.  Waited while time passed and the deputy-sheriff was sought.  Waited while a driver was found and the mechanism of the ambulance so arranged that it could be driven without the keys which were in the deputy-sheriff’s pocket.  In the meantime another deputy-sheriff’s offer to haul the boy in his truck was turned down – possible because it would not be orthodox to move an injured person in any other fashion when we had a perfectly good ambulance locked safely away.  Maybe this is good management, and maybe it isn’t.  But to a poor ignorant editor, who knows nothing of driving ambulances it would appear that we needed some more keys, a place to hide them in, or more drivers.  As it turned out the boy was in no immediate danger, but that was just luck and nobody’s good management.  The pulmotor is left at the phone office near the King County sheds, and can be secured whenever there is need of it.  In spite of our ignorance it would seem that the employees in this office would be safe custodians for keys to the garage and to the truck.  And after all if a person is dying, and needs help suddenly he doesn’t care a lot whether someone hunts up a properly deputized driver, or calls on a grocer clerk with the initiative to do what was necessary in an emergency.  But let’s get enough keys and enough drivers.  It isn’t humanly possible for one, two or three men to be on call all of the time.  And by all means use efficiency and the ambulance simultaneously.

• The Sportsmen’s Column by Uncle Joe – Last Friday night the Club held a very good meeting in which after much talk the old working spirit was revived, which also pepped me up enough to write this column.  Consequently, much work was accomplished over the week-end.  Our plumbers, Canfield and Davis, roughed in the plumbing for the rest rooms.  Deb Harrington and his gang of wood butchers made the forms and poured the concrete for the foundations for these rooms which are located at each end of the building.  Logs were carried around for the walls.  In so doing Dick Fuller received a nasty crack on the head.  No harm was done to the log but Dick felt silly for quite a while.  A septic tank hole was dug and brick carried down to the pump house as we have enough brick over from the chimneys to build it with.  The Club wishes to thank the members for the turnout, the sixteen who braved the rain to be there.  If we can get that many every work turnout we will soon be finished.  Thanks also to Martin Larsen for the beans and coffee, even though a member named Bert was disgusted after having them at home for two days.  Three members who would like to have been there, Bill Shakespeare, Bill McGill and Joe Rand, had sick wives.  We wish them a speedy recovery.  Good by now.  Uncle Joe.

• Party For Masado Myoshi – Sponsored by the Japanese Society members and friends gathered at the Island Club Saturday night to pay their respects to Masado Myoshi, first Japanese boy to be conscripted from Vashon Island.  Guests of honor were Masado and his parents, John Ober, representing veteran groups, Edgar Pack, president of the Commercial Club, and Mrs. Agnes L. Smock.  Yukichi Nishiyori acted as toastmaster, introducing the speakers with well-chosen remarks and interpreting talks given by Mr. Myoshi and others of the older generation.  It is evident that the Japanese are justly proud of this member of the second generation, who is enjoying his experiences as a member of Uncle Sam’s army. 

 May 15, 1941

• High Wind Drives Folks, Boats To Seek Shelter – Waves Sweep Over Bulkheads at Tahlequah – Unusual for this season of the year, a high wind that at times reached gale proportions, swept Tahlequah and contiguous territory shortly before six o’clock Sunday evening.  Small craft, of which there were many, were driven to seek shelter.  Monday morning found six boats at Fry’s store to be towed to Point Defiance after their occupants had decided to take the ferry.  Small power craft suffered, and were navigated to safety with great difficulty.  Even the M.F. Fox Island, Captain Ernest C. Ulsh, experienced great difficulty in landing and departing from the Tahlequah pier.  Captain Ulsh and chief Engineer Merton Mallory were on their toes making each landing.  Eight cars were left on the dock when the Fox Island pulled away at 8:30 p.m., and had to make the trip to Tacoma via the North End ferry.  Bulkheads at Tahlequah were swept by waves and spray, and some gardens on the waterfront were “scorched or cooked” by the salt water.  Smart gardeners got out the hose and sprayed their plants to neutralize the salt water.  Eighteen persons were marooned on Maury Island, and were later rescued by the coast guard.

• Storm Maroons Large Party At Spring Beach – Twenty-Five Seek Shelter Overnight  at Island Resort – Driven to seek shelter from the high wind and stormy waters in the West Pass a few moments after the change of the tide Sunday evening, 25 persons sought refuge at Spring Beach.  Mrs. Forest R. Ritz, proprietress of Miramar Inn at Spring Beach arranged cabin quarters for the more than two score of pleasure-seekers in small craft that scurried to shore when the storm broke.  Reported unaccountably missing and giving rise to morbid fears for their safety early Monday were the families of Frank T. Walters and Jerome Weinstein, both of Tacoma.  The first report he had ‘holed up’ with his wife and daughter and had spent the night in their snug 32-foot cruiser in Paradise Cove.  Weinstein reported he had just stayed another night at his beach home.  The wind, according to the weather bureau, reached a velocity of 45 miles an hour.  Twenty-eight young folks picnicking at Rosehilla were rescued by the Tacoma fireboat and coast guard and returned to their homes, where they recounted strenuous perils experienced during the squall.  Fireboatmen removed 16 of the group by using a lifeboat and wading chin-deep in surf that lathered the beach where the party was stranded.  Patrol boat No. 402, coast guard, put in later to take the remainder of the party and tow their boats home.

• Bayview Pavilion Opens For Season – Joe Collins, manager of Bayview Pavilion at Burton, announces that the first dance of the season will be held Saturday night, May 17.  There will be good music by a six-piece Seattle orchestra.

• Chain Letters Barred From Mail – Quite a number of letters and postal cards relating to so-called clubs, such as handkerchief, apron, tea towel, etc., are being placed in the mails.  Patrons depositing such cards or letters relating to schemes of this nature are warned that the sending of such matter through the mail is a violation of the postal fraud and lottery statutes, and must cease.  When such mail is apprehended delivery will not be completed. John Ober.

• Island Farm Featured – The farm of Roswell Johns, west of Vashon, was featured in story and pictures appearing in the Summer edition of the “Egg Maker”, a poultry magazine published by Albers Company.  Maurice Dunsford announces that he has a considerable number of the magazines on hand and would be glad to present them to Island poultrymen interested in this story of a successful Island farm.

• Strawberries On Market Very Early – Beginning operations the earliest in history the Mukai packing plant will begin barreling berries the latter part of the week.  As school will not close until the 29th the matter of help appears to be a problem, and it will, apparently, be necessary to have a double shift for a time at least.  Gooseberries are being picked at this time, but many more pickers will be necessary to harvest the strawberry crop.  Currants seemed unusually promising earlier in the season, and the price was the highest it had been in a long time.  However late frost and pests have damaged the fruit and reduced production.

• Editorial – Just Ordinary Courtesy – A certain amount of difficulty is being experienced by growers in interesting Indian pickers to work on Vashon-Maury Island.  These itinerant laborers, who annually spend a great deal with our merchants, sense the resentment so many feel, and being human tend to drift to other localities, where their help and the business they create are more welcome than here.  Common sense and experience have demonstrated that it is not possible for the growers to obtain enough dependable white help.  It was for this reason, not for cheap labor, that the importance of Indian pickers was begun.  It has been our observation over a period of 21 years that the average Indian keeps his place.  The growers have learned to keep this help segregated from white pickers, and in the main keep the situation well in hand.  We do not suggest any attempt at social service, or trying to make friends of any itinerant class, but we can keep in mind that these pickers are human, and can hear unkind remarks and understand English.  One reason Bainbridge Island growers have better success in getting and keeping imported pickers is because they are not made to feel unwelcome, as too frequently they are here.  Production of small fruits is an important Island industry and one that deserves the cooperation of all of us.  Tolerance and a minimum of courtesy to imported labor during the season ahead will be of real assistance to the farmers.

• The obituaries of Mrs. Maude Zimmerman, Mrs. Eunice J. Skewes, and Harold Johnson were published.

 May 22, 1941

• Eighth Grade Graduation Monday Night – The group completing eighth grade is smaller this year than ordinarily, with a total of 34.  Those who will receive credentials of graduation Monday are: BURTON: Richard K. Beymer, Ben Hammond, Duane Johnson, Francis Landers, William Little, Charles Richard Mason, Eddie Owada, Edward A. Poultney, John Van House, Betty Brammar, Betty Lou Fry, Fugi Kunugi, Peggy Hope Olson, Margery Robinson, Louise Sweeney, Kathleen Tingley.  CENTER: Gilvert Bostain, Eugene Matsumoto, Harold Rose, Sam Sakamoto, Hazel Shride, Vernon Terry.  COLUMBIA: Elmer Ellison, Mary Ann Ericksen, Robert Humula, Lynn Mills, Norman Sovold, Avril Thurston, Laurie Walls.  DOCKTON: Beatrice Amundsen, Jens Petersen.  LISABEULA: Ardif Wilson, Howard Wheat.  VASHON: Josephine Brown, Gerry Collier, Raleigh Coutts, Marion Fredericks, Clinton Harrington, Arnold Hestness, Walter Hopkins, Noman Jacobson, Kathleen Law, Helen Magers, William Mann, Gordon Nelson, Henry Reifers, Sumi Sakai, Jackie Sandstrom, Marcelyn Stevenson, George Takatsuka, Beverly Wick, Shirley Wilson, Charlie Woo Boo, Kiyoko Yoshida.

• Appointed Dealer For Island – C.J. Ramquist received notice this week that he had been named dealer for Hot Point ranges, water heater and appliances manufactured by the company.  This will add greater variety to the electrical appliances and furnishings Mr. Ramquist has for sale at this store in the Laundry Building at the north end of Vashon.

• The obituary of August Schulz was published.

• A notice of the death of Captain John L. Anderson was published.

• Open Home Appliance Business – With merchandise moving as rapidly as it can be unloaded from the factory Kenneth and John Beall have announced themselves dealers for a line of nationally advertised home appliances which include Kelvinator refrigerators, RCA-Victor radios, Maytag and Bendix washing machines, Quick Meal Wood and oil ranges and Universal electric ranges.  So rapidly are appliances selling that none go into the warehouse, but are delivered directly from the cars bringing them from the factory.  As soon as a suitable building can be made ready for occupancy the two young salesmen will have floor models on display.

May 29, 1941

• Another Accident On The Morgan Corner – Saturday night witnessed another accident on the Morgan corner, when a car belonging to W.C. Drager of Seattle overturned and was badly wrecked.  With the driver of the car were a young man and woman.  The later received a number of bad cuts but the other occupants escaped with only minor injuries.  This is the second accident that has occurred recently at this corner, both allegedly due to excessive speed.

• Class Of 1941 Graduates Tonight – Since the first class graduated in the new building in 1931 there has been only one class smaller than this year’s, although in 1934 the same number, 37, graduated.  This class is unique in that there are 40 per cent more boys than girls, 22 boys and only 15 girls.  On the program will be the usual valedictory and salutatory addresses by Yoneichi Matsuda and George Fujioka.  The Class of 1941 includes:  Charles Edwin Allison, Jack Harvey Beymer, Douglas M. Cullen, Lauren George Dana, Murray W. Dillor, Karl O. Ellingsen, George Fujioka, Dean Lester Hobson, Donald Gray Paton, Yoneichi Matsuda, Howard Marshall Hutchinson, Harold Alfred Nordeng, Tokio Otsuka, Robert Frederick Ofdenkamp, John Warren Penny, Richard Plancich, Harry M. Sakai, Paul Jerome Schwartz, Robert Burns Smock, John William Walls, Carl Irving Wick Jr., Robert Garland Wight, Lahoma Breiwick, Anne Josephine Edwards, Betty Irene Gust, Jane Emily Hoke, Dorothy Roseann Johnson, Nora Akiko Hoshi, Heda Kunugi, Evelyn C. Landers, Muriel Mae Morley, Virginia Rae Rand, Ruth Kimi Takatsuka, Marybelle Tonk, Helen Hermine Wegener, Barbara Dora Wheat, Charlotte Helen Martin.

• South End Ferry To Run On Hourly Schedule – Due to a strike in California shipyards it will not be possible for the new Tahlequah schedule originally set for May 15, to go into effect prior to June first, it was announced by the Black Ball Navigation Company Wednesday.  When additional ships arrive from the South, releasing the Crosline, the new schedule will go into effect.

• Vashon Island Night At Ball Park In June – Plans are shaping up for Vashon Island night at Sick’s Seattle Stadium about June 13, Mrs. W.D. Covington announced this week.  Leo Lassen has promised that a special section will be reserved for us and that no one at the ball park or in the radio audience will be unaware of Vashon Island on this occasion.  Arrangements will be more definite by the next issue of the News-Record.

• Man Found Dead In Orchard – A neighbor, Joe Thompson, calling to borrow a scythe, made a gruesome find Sunday afternoon when he discovered the body of Joe Walters, 65, lying in the orchard not far from his house.  Death, apparently due to natural causes, had occurred probably Monday or Tuesday, according to the coroner’s office.

• The wedding announcement of Miss Beula Fitzpatrick to Mr. Ole Bernard Styrwold was published.

• The wedding announcement of Miss Maxine Therkelsen to Mr. Victor William Smith was published.

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June 1941

June 5, 1941

• New Ferry Schedule Delights South End Patrons – Hourly Service Appeals To Everyone, According To Reports Received This Week – by C.R. Roediger – Envisioning a great increase in year-round residents, Tahlequahites and home-owners in the Southern district of Vashon Island awoke Sunday morning to learn that for the first time since the inception of ferry service between Point Defiance and Tahlequah an adequate schedule was in force.  Not unlike Rip Van Winkle, who dozed for 20 years in the Catskill mountains Tahlequahites have been in a sort of lethargy, due to poor ferry service.  Of course, some progress has been made despite the handicap imposed by the Washington Navigation Company and against which the Vashon Island Commercial Club, South End Community Club and the Burton Improvement Company carried on a losing fight until recently.  A number of new homes have been constructed during the last 18 months, but there is every indication that a spurt of building will come as the direct result of the splendid service promised by the Black Ball line, who recently purchased the ferry franchise from the Washington Navigation Company.  Sunday morning the first ferry departed from Tahlequah at 6:15 a.m., something unheard of in about two score years.  Most of the folks didn’t even know 18-hour service was starting, as rumors have been so numerous in the last five weeks that few persons took cognizance of the latest report.  The next ferry left promptly at 7 a.m., and there was hourly service thereafter, with the M.F. Fox Island departing from Tahlequah every hour on the hour and from Point Defiance every hour on the half hour.  Tahlequahites are unstinting in their praise of the work done by Paul Billingsley, chairman of the transportation committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club, Forbes Haskell and Harry Robbins.  Robbins, who is a personal friend of Alex Peabody, president of the Black Ball line, was instrumental in bringing about a meeting with Peabody on the Island, and sowing the seed that resulted directly in the Black Ball line acquiring the franchise.  Billingsley is known for his public-spirited work, both in time and money, and with the assistance of Haskell put over a deal that should have far-reaching effect on the future progress of Vashon Island.  This trio did a great job without any fanfare, and worked at times hampered by stumbling blocks put in their path by some Vashon Islander with pet ideas, as worthless as a dud.

• Attempt Made To Rob Tahlequah Purser – Verne Chessman, purser on the M.F. Fox Island, awoke Saturday morning at 2:30 o’clock to see a prowler fleeing his room in the Peninsula hotel, Gig Harbor.  Chessman jumped from his bed, but the would-be robber made good his escape.  Everything in the clothes closet in Chessman’s room had been ransacked, but the robber was foiled in his attempt to obtain the ferry receipts that Chessman usually carried.  However, Friday night Chessman decided to cache the receipts, amounting to nearly $500, in a different place.  Hence, there was no dice, so far as the prowler was concerned.

• Editorial – Is Our Park An Asset? – The time has come when Vashon-Maury Island must decide whether our park near Dockton is an asset or a liability.  It has been utilized by many with no thought of its management, and few have bothered to ask the source of the wherewithal to keep it going.  Theoretically the Commercial Club has had the responsibility of the park, but in reality it has been kept operating by the generosity and management of Theo Berry, assisted by Coy Meredith.  It has now reached the point that they must be given something more material than moral support if the park is not to become a menace.  This is a matter that deserves the serious consideration of everyone who uses the park, and of thoughtful parents who realize the dangers of such an unsupervised meeting place for youth.  It is urged that all interested in this mater, which has become a really serious problem that must be solved soon, will be at Monday night’s Commercial Club meeting, prepared to offer suggestions and financial help.  The only alternative remaining is for the commissioners to close the place and allow improvement to further deteriorate.

• The wedding of Miss Edith Thielman to Thomas Leake was published.

June 12, 1941

• Record Crowd Greets KIRO Staff at Commercial Club – At the most largely attended meeting in the history of the Commercial Club almost 40 members of the KIRO personnel were introduced Monday night to Vashon Island neighbors.  It was a meeting that will long remain in memory as an outstanding pleasant occasion, viewed from any angle.  Following dinner President Edgar Pack greeted members and guests, expressing gratification at the large number present.  The meeting was then turned over to the vice-president, Mrs. Agnes L. Smock.  Miss Frances Blekkink was called upon to introduce the first guest, a former teacher, and a woman whose influence remains undimmed by passing years.  With a sincere tribute Miss Blekkink introduced Mrs. Edith Morton, who 24 years ago was principal of the school which is now Vashon Grammar School, but which then included 12 grades.  Mrs. Morton was deeply appreciative of the tribute paid her, and by meeting again former pupils who were there primarily to greet her.  Short talks, all of which indicated their satisfaction in the choice of the Island as a transmitter site were given by Louis Lear, president of the Queen City Broadcasting Company, Sol Haas, vice-president, and H.J. Quilliam, manager.  Mr. Quilliam then introduced other members of the staff, including Maury Rider, Bob Spence, Jim Scott, Phil and Mildred Crane, Jim Upthegrove, Jack and Maurice McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Reuter, Max Dolin, Carola Cantrell, Tubby Clark, Loren Stone, Archie Morton, Penny Schofield, Bill Moshier, Agnes Eason, Marian McCluro, Frances Braid, Eloise Daubenspek, Marjorie McMicken, Ruth Petherick, Lena Watson, Abelina Anderson, Kathleen Piske, Dorothy O’Neil, Miriam Smith, Tommy Thomas, Al Amundsen, and Mr. and Mrs. Payne Karr.  Other guests were Captain Alex Peabody and C.V. LaFarge of the Black Ball Company and Mr. and Mrs. P.D. Crane of Chicago.  Tommy Thomas then took over as master of ceremonies, introducing the well-known radio personalities in a manner entirely informal, but with a proper tribute to each.  It was a grand party and each of the 250 persons present felt that Vashon Island not only has a new radio station of which to be proud, but a fine lot of new neighbors among those who are working to make KIRO not only the biggest and best station in the Northwest, but to maintain its reputation as the “Friendly Station.”

• The “Crosline” For South End – The Black Ball Line has announced that effective Wednesday morning, June 11, the 45-car ferry Crosline will operate on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route connecting Tacoma with Vashon Island.  The Crosline will operate on a schedule of 18 round trips daily, leaving Tahlequah at 6:15 a.m. and then hourly on the half hour from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.  In announcing the inauguration of the new service, C.V. LaFarge, Vice President and Traffic Manager of the Black Ball Line, said:  “The Crosline, which we formerly operated in the popular Seattle-Manchester route will make this short crossing to Vashon Island in 15 minutes, and will make points on Vashon Island as readily accessible and as desirable for year round residents as many of the outlying suburbs of Tacoma.”

• Sea Scouts Test Seamanship – Members of Sea Scout Ship, “Cachelot”, embarked on a venturesome voyage Saturday morning aboard Paul Billingsley’s “Susie”.  Olympia was their destination and all went well until Saturday night when the motor broke down.  They drifted about in the channel until Sunday morning, then started Islandward, towed by a tug.  Home port, Quartermaster Harbor, was reached at six o’clock Sunday evening.

• Catholic Sisters Again At Watseka Lodge – Members of the Holy Names order have leased Watseka Lodge at Portage for the third consecutive summer and will take possession this week.  Mrs. A.L. Larsen, owner of the lodge, will spend a short time with Mrs. Ruth Beasley before leaving for several months of travel.

 June 19, 1941

• Having Lots Of Fun – It appears that in the good old days when Daddie Beymer was the father of a bunch of squawking youngsters, the South End was known by the plebian tital, “Clam Cove.”  Later the place too on airs became the landing place of a ferry to Tacoma, and not liking the rather odoriferous title a group of men, promoting that area, had a little contest for a new name, with the result that 21 years ago the ferry landing became “Tahlequah.”  The same old timers didn’t know that the word meant, and cared less, and that extra “h” was a pain in the neck – they didn’t know whether it was or wasn’t and where.  The change from “Clam Cove” to “Tahlequah” was definitely all open and above board, and legalized by the powers that be.  But that still didn’t salve the feelings of those youngsters who had grown up there and become grandpappies and daddies.  So a move is on foot to relegate “Tahlequah” to the discard and return to the less euphonious but beloved title “Clam Cove.”  To say the least there was certainly a right smart stir when a huge sign bearing the title “Clam Cove” and putting the curse on “Tahlequah” appeared at the head of the dock.  Everyone from the county commissioners down to the watchman on the “Crosline” got the blame.  And the real perpetrator of the crime, or at least the instigator, is having the time of his life.  Meantime the matter is being taken up with the heads of the ferry company, the county commissioners, the sheriff’s office, and the King County Humane Society, none of whom know a damned thing about it, or that there is a sign, Indian or otherwise, on our fair Island.  So unless you believe in signs this story won’t mean a bit more to the reader than it does to the aforementioned notables, and those that like to call one of the prettiest and soon to be one of the most prosperous communities on the Island “Clam Cove” will just go on calling it that.  And those more effete beings, who think “Tahlequah” sounds much more elegant, will go on calling it that.  To quote, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” and we reckon that applies to clams, too.

• KIRO’s Initial Broadcast Is Scheduled For June 29 – Although the exact minute has not yet been definitely set KIRO will officially go on the air over the new 50,000 watt transmitter on Vashon Island about noon Sunday, June 29.  The occasion will be an outstanding event in the history of the Northwest.

• The obituary of Harry E. Gilbertson was published.

 June 26, 1941

• KIRO Dedication Program at 11:30 Sunday, June 29

• KIRO Super Power Unit To Open – Most powerful north of San Francisco and west of Minneapolis, this KIRO 50,000 watt transmitter, located one-half mile south of Portage on Vashon-Maury Island, will be in operation Sunday with elaborate dedication ceremonies.  Representing an investment of a quarter-million dollars the Seattle station will be the most modern west of the Mississippi River and equal in power to any station in the United States.  It will be the only station in Western Washington presenting Columbia programs.

• Newsreels Made Here Will Be Released Nationally Next Week – If the entire country doesn’t labor under the impression that Vashon is about the only island in Puget Sound it isn’t the fault of the publicity we are receiving these days.  As a follow-up of feature stories in two Seattle dailies, telling of the receipt of shipment of orchid plants from England by the Beall Greenhouse Company, several Universal news reel cameramen worked last Thursday, Friday and Saturday making motion pictures of the delivery and unpacking of the last of nine shipments of orchids Bealls have received from England since April.  When these were completed the men made many more shots of the care of the orchids, now in bloom in the several houses, and the blossoms being cut and prepared for shipment by air express to Minneapolis and Chicago.  These pictures, for news reels and world-wide news photos, will be released all over the nation next week, introducing Vashon Island as the home of fine orchids to a vast audience.  In addition to this, Beall orchids and roses, which are now going regularly to the Middle West by air, are being advertised in national trade journals.  All Beall Greenhouse Company’s advertising mention their tradename, “Island Grown” and carries the name of Vashon Island. 

• Editorial – GREETING TO KIRO – In welcoming KIRO and the various individuals who have worked harmoniously and enthusiastically in building it from a small beginning to the major radio station of the Northwest, it would be but natural that we should think first of the handsome transmitter building over there near Portage, of the towers that reach toward the sky, of the tract of land that has been cleared, of all the physical aspects that represent expenditure of a quarter million dollars.  Among a number of gratifying developments that have affected us in recent years none offers greater possibilities than does your choice of our Island as the location of the transmitter to be dedicated next Sunday.  We deeply appreciate what it means now, and will continue to mean in the years to come.  But although a quarter million dollars is an imposing sum, and the publicity the Island will receive as site of the new transmitter it built cannot be estimated, these would be negligible value were there not coupled with them a vital, genuine demonstration of the friendliness your organization has maintained in spite of its rapid growth.  And so toady we welcome KIRO, not because it is the largest radio station in the Northwest, and one of the largest in the nation; not because we are so proud of our Island having been chosen as the site for the transmitter, but because it has brought to us a new conception of friendliness and interest.  And in extending KIRO our sincere good wished for future success we are voicing the hope that no matter what developments may come with your success and growth it will never cease to be “The Friendly Station” that so perfectly exemplifies the spirit of genuine goodwill never so sadly needed in the world as today.

• Two Business Houses Entered By Thieves – Although no arrests have been made officers are working on any clues that may lead to the apprehension of the person or persons who entered the Betty Ann Monday night and the office of the Met-Cro Wednesday night.  At the first place entrance was effected by breaking a fastening on a transom over the front door, left open for ventilation.  Apparently the marauders were looking only for money, not candy or cigarettes.  In their haste they overlooked a container, full of small change, in full sight.  At Met-Cro several windows were broken, apparently by rocks thrown from a distance.  Finally a pane on the north side was broken enough to permit entrance.  That the one who entered was small and light was evident, as the hole was not large, and the glass not entirely broken from the frame.  Although the cash register was forced open and a few dollars taken, here too, a large amount, tax money in a cigar box nearby, was overlooked.  It can safely be assumed that in both cases it was the work of amateurs, or that the thieves were frightened away before they had made a thorough search.

• No Fooling – It Is A Bit Confusing – Under the heading “TAHLEQUAH” the following editorial appeared in Sunday’s Tacoma News-Tribune and Ledger.  We think it is clever, in view of the various ways in which the word is spelled.  This editor has been called upon to write several letters setting other newspaper people straight on the subject.  From the News-Tribune and Sunday Ledger, June 22, 1941 “Those pranksters who tried, last week, to substitute the name “Clam Cove” for Tahlequah were guilty of the rankest lese majeste unless, by chance, those who sought the change had been made desperate by the great variety of spellings for the Vashon Island community.  There are, in fact, two schools of thought on this subject in The News Tribune office – the purists who hold that Tahlequah is the only proper spelling and the non-purists who flirt with such spellings as “Talequa,” “Tallequah,” or even “Tellequah,” little realizing that their own confusing discredits their arguments.  We, of the purist school, admit that not every map bears us out on the “Tahlequah” spelling but offer the Indian tribe and Oklahoma city of the same name as source evidences and charge variations to the not unknown errors of cartography.  Since some confusion does exist we suggest that Charlie Roediger, for several years the dean of Tahlequah, enter the lists and help us clear his community’s fair name.  As an old newspaper purist himself, we are confident that Charlie will write it “Tahlequah” every time.”

• Funeral Services For Mrs. N. Abrahamsen

• Tides, Winds, Dolphins Cause Of Annoyance – Skippers of the Black Ball ferry Crosline have been having difficulty with strong tides, wind and weak dolphins at the Tahlequah and Point Defiance piers.  Some of the trouble has been eliminated on the Tahlequah side by the installation of dolphins, but on the Point Defiance side work is being held up by a three-way tie-up, some of it savoring of politics.  Last Wednesday a flock of planks served as a jury rig for the regular apron at Tahlequah which buckled into a permanent wave with accordion pleats under the impact of the Crosline’s snappy approach.  Now there is a brand new apron, a crew of welders and riggers having gotten it in place in time for the week-end crowds.

• The History Of KIRO was published.

• The story KIRO Transmitter Unique was published.

• Tsh! Tsh! Mystery! Clam Cove Sign Evaporates Suddenly – Six Dollars Worth of Good Material Disappears; Folks Again are Happy – by C.R. Roediger – Ths!  Tsh!  The Clam Cove sign that adorned the ferry pier at Tahlequah is no more, and with it has gone an odor equally distasteful to most folks as the pulp mill.  Sabotage, swift and mysterious, descended upon the M.F. Crosline’s berth one night and $6 worth of material disappeared.  The plywood sign, designed by R.K. (Bill) Beymer Jr., proclaimed the port of call as “Clam Cove” and in smaller characters: “Formerly Tahlequah.”  The spelling of Tahlequah was apparently the sign writer’s or copy writer’s version, not that which appears on Coast and Geodetic survey charts, government maps and most of the Vashon Island Commercial Club’s booster literature.  More than two decades ago, long before there was a road down to this popular colony and before there was any ferry service, the settlers called the place Clam Cove.  A few of the oldsters and some of the sprouts kind of liked the flavor of the community name.  Without consulting those who live there and those who own property, they decided to make blitz methods and bolted the sign announcing the new order on the ferry dock.  But the blitz didn’t click.  Morning and evening ferry groups discussed the issue during card games and out of the discussion came action.  Like a ship that passes in the night, the slip sign slipped out of sight.  Among those who contend one might as well call Tahlequah “Dogfish Hollow” as “Clam Cove” are Dr. David B. Cook. Maiden A. Jacobson, Thomas Leake, A. Richard Cussell, David A. Sommerville, Albert Mellish, I.A. Jetland, Franklin Olsen, Richard Kiefe, James Gilchrist, Bert Appling, Vance E. McClure, Roy Simcox, Bob Wilson, Fred G. Pohl, A.H. Raudin, Mrs. Marie Coolentz, the writer, and a large number of business and professional men at various points on Vashon Island.  Be that as it may, just ask any of them who removed the sign, and they shut up like a CLAM.

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July 1941

July 3, 1941

• KIRO Dedication Draws Washington Mayors and CBS Executives to Vashon Island – Among the hundreds who attended the dedication of KIRO’s new 50,000 watt transmitter last Sunday were public officials of four Washington cities and a group of five Columbia Broadcasting System executives from New York and Hollywood.  Due to illness Mayor Earl Millikin of Seattle was unable to be present, but W.C. Morse, chairman of the Seattle Board of Public Works represented Mayor Millikin in addressing the dedication program audience.  Mayor Harry Cain and Mrs. Cain extended best wishes to the new station from the City of Tacoma, with Mayor S. Frank Spencer of Everett and Mayor Herbert Horrocks of Aberdeen extending congratulations for their cities to both the visible and radio audience assembled for the program.  Representing William S. Paley, president of the Columbia Broadcasting System, was Mr. Herbert Akerberg, vice-president in charge of station relations.  With him from New York was Mr. J.G. Gude, station relations manager for the network, and Mr. William Lodge, chief engineer in charge of radio frequency for CBS.  Visiting from Hollywood and representing the Columbia Pacific Network was Mr. Donald W. Thornburgh, vice-president of the Columbia Broadcasting System, in charge of the Pacific Coast.  Accompanying Mr. Thornburgh to the dedication ceremonies was Mr. Fox Case, in charge of public service and special events for the Columbia Pacific Network. 

• KIRO Brings 15 New Residents to Vashon – Although a number of them have not yet reached their majority, and several are not yet of even school age KIRO has already added 15 to the population of the Island.  Several of these five new families have been here for some weeks and have already identified themselves with community affairs.  Two families will arrive this week.  Mr. and Mrs. James Hatfield, and Jimmie Jr. live in the transmitter cottage, formerly the McIntosh home.  Mr. and Mrs. William Rueter, Marylin and Denny are living for the present in the Soike house south of the Center School, which Marylin attended last winter.  Mr. and Mrs. Sam Norin and Bobby are in Ellisport living in what older residents know as the Aldrich cottage.  Mr. and Mrs. Maurice McMullen and Michael will move this week to the Carey house on Maury Island, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack McMullen are in the larger of the transmitter apartments.

• The obituaries of William Sloan Boyd and Mrs. Nikoline Amalle (Andersen) Abrahamsen were published.

 July 10, 1941

• Tahlequah Fireworks Display Is Gorgeous Spectacle – Brilliant Show Staged By Island Folks Near Ferry Pier

• Justice Douglas Here – Vashon Island had a distinguished visitor on the Fourth of July, when the newly appointed associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, William Douglas, was the guest of Saul Haas at KIRO.

• The Report of Condition of Vashon State Bank at the close of business on June 30, 1941 showed total assets of $251,532.39.

• The obituary of poet Mrs. Ella Robison Beckes was published.

 July 17, 1941

• Aluminum Drive On Vashon Island Will Start July 21 – Starting Monday, July 21, and continuing for a week an intensive drive to collect outworn aluminum utensils and pots will be conducted in King County.  This is the opportunity for housewives to turn pots and pans into planes.  On the Island members of the League of Women Voters has undertaken the placing of proper receptacles and collection of discarded aluminum for shipment to Seattle as one of the services in the Battle for Production, which is being stressed all over America today.

• Delivers Fire Fighting Equipment Here – Dr. A.E. Baker, fire marshall for King County, was on the Island Tuesday afternoon, delivering equipment for fighting beach and brush fires into the custody of the Burton Improvement Club.

• Road Oiling Project Calls For Citizen Cooperation – When you drive carelessly over the freshly oiled roads county men and equipment are working from six in the morning until dark to complete, you are not only injuring your car, but you are wasting your own tax money.  Oiled surface, disturbed before the oil has had time to absorb, must be repatched, which costs time and money, in addition to making a poor job of what would otherwise be a permanent finish.  So drive slowly and avoid these roads when possible to detour.  To date there has been completed the Culman road, from Cedarhurst to Colvos; the Cove Road, from Beulah Park to the dock; the Lamb Road from Livers corner to the Tahlequah “Y”; and on Maury from the schoolhouse at the center to KIRO.  Further oiling will be done next week.

• Island Woman Gives Swedish Massage – A graduate of the Long Beach School of Swedish Massage, at which she studied under Dr. Friezholm, recently of Sweden, Mrs. A.L. Hotchkin is now giving treatments at her home on the West Side.

 July 24, 1941

• New Highway for Passenger Cars Planned For North End – As a solution for the growing hazard on the hill at Vashon Heights work will begin in the near future on a 22-foot, two lane highway, leaving the concrete highway at the Falcon’s Nest gate, then down to the Biloxi road, then angling off to the head of the dock.  This road will be used for passenger cars only, trucks to be restricted to the concrete highway.  The new highway will be finished in blacktop, will be an easy grade, and as safe as humanly possible.  It will be accessible to the new parking lot, work on which is being rapidly pushed.  Delay in a survey by state engineers has held up this work, but the increasing hazard created by cars parked along the pavement – cars for which there is no room in the now-inadequate parking lot – made it imperative that more space be provided at once.  Added to the expense of the new lot is the necessity for new tiling in the present parking lot to replace an inferior quality put in for drainage when it was first leveled.  From present indications it will also be necessary to replace the corrugated drain underneath the pavement at the head of the dock.  This replacement was an unforeseen expense, and will bring the cost above original estimates in supplying the parking space an almost record summer population makes imperative.

• The deaths of Mr. A.T. Barker and Mr. A.L. Hotchin, 69, were noted.

• Interrupted Service Results In Traffic Jam – A breakdown that kept the Chetzemoka tied at the Fauntleroy dock for several hours Sunday afternoon, delaying service that resulted in one of the worst traffic jams the Heights has witnessed this season.  Cars were lined far up the hill.  Cars parked on either side of the highway made it impossible to clear the pavement for more than a one-car lane, and Island residents taking guests to evening ferries had difficulty in getting down to the dock which was as badly crowded as the highway.

• Part Of The State Highway (Editorial) – The increasing number of accidents occurring each week-end on our Island leads to only one conclusion, namely, that there is drastic need of an officer whose sole duty is to patrol our highways.  Even though welcome guests we do not appreciate the fact that many week-end visitors abuse all laws of safety by driving at excessive speed.  This is, in great measure, due to the common knowledge that there is no state patrol officer on the job.  True, we have a resident deputy sheriff, with police powers, but the average city visitor regards him more or less as “a policeman in the sticks,” and he lacks the authority and dignity that seems vested in a state patrol officer.  Segregated from the mainland as we are it is rarely that we are honored by a visit from one of these officers.  Because there is no state testing station available to cars operating here, without the expense of going to Seattle, the menace of reckless drivers is enhanced by the extra hazard of local cars unfit for operation upon our roads.  We understand that these same conditions prevail on other island of the Sound.  We believe it is high time for state officials to begin recognizing islands as part of the State of Washington, and providing for their residents as duly authorized citizens.  True, the fact that the islands are reputedly without law-enforcement adds to their popularity, but at what a price!  A few arrests and some stiff fines would awaken a sense of respect for the rights of others who use the highway.  The law permits a speed of 50 mile an hour, but not under conditions such as exist in our villages particularly on Saturday afternoon.  There is not a Saturday that passes but drivers go tearing through congested traffic, which if a child were to dash out there is not a spare foot for swerving.  Sporadically there is a campaign for deathless days – campaigns which too frequently come to naught because officers are not on the job, or have too many friends.  With our fingers crossed we rise to remark that we have gone thus far through the summer without a death on our highways.  Only a kind Providence knows why!  But there will come a day of sacrifice.  One officer could make hundreds think, and by his presence possibly save one or many lives.  Must we wait until sudden death claims a victim, or victims, before the highways of Vashon Island are recognized as part of the highway system, and granted the same surveillance?

• Christian Science Monitor Carries Interesting Article Regarding Vashon Island – An article, UNSPOILED VASHON ISLAND, anent Vashon Island, was clipped from the Christian Science Monitor of July 11 by Mr. A.F. Allen, editor of the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal, and sent to his friend and former co-worker, Alex Smith of Burton, whom Mr. Allen visited several years ago.  It is only rarely that we have been privileged to read a more concise article regarding our Island, and we feel sure that readers of the News-Record will share our interest.

 July 31, 1941

• Buddy Brenno Killed When Car Turns Over – Fatally injured when a car in which he was riding turned over on the Dilworth Road Friday night, Buddy, nine-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brenno, died in a Seattle hospital Saturday morning.  The child was one of three boys riding in the back of a Buick coupe from which the rumble seat had been removed.  The other two, thrown clear of the car, escaped with a few minor scratches.  The Brenno boy was thrown in such a manner that he was caught under the car as it rolled down the embankment.  The driver of the car, William Ackley, and the two boys riding inside with him were uninjured.  In the car at the time of the accident were the driver, Johnnie Hewitt and a boy spending the summer with him, Bobbie Andersen, Buddy and Bobbie Brenno.  Apparently there are conflicting stories as to what really occurred to cause the accident, which will have to be straightened out at the coroner’s inquest, to be held within a few days.  It occurred at a curve, just above Dilworth Point where a road to the beach branches from the highway.  Striking loose gravel the car was apparently thrown out of control and plunged off the road down a twenty-foot embankment, turning over onto the lower road.  The accident occurred about 10:30 as the boys were returning from a ball game and swim.  When it was determined that the child was still living word was phoned to the ferry dock and the 10:45 boat was held, facilitating the attempt to save his life by reaching a hospital as quickly as possible.  He lived only a short time although every effort to save his life was made.  The accident cast a pall over the entire Island, for although Buddy’s circle of friends was limited his father who operates a service station at Vashon, is widely known and respected.  Both he and the boy’s mother have lived on the Island practically all of their lives and have many friends who sympathize with them in their grief.  Those who have observed the close intimacy between Buddy and his younger brother, Bobbie, sympathize particularly with the little fellow’s loss, for it was rarely that the two boys were ever apart.  Funeral services, in charge of W.D. Garvin, were held Tuesday afternoon from the Vashon Presbyterian Church, Rev. J.C. Mergler officiating.  Interment was in the Vashon Cemetery.

• Dance Date Changed – Soldiers from Fort Lewis will be at Bayview Pavilion each Tuesday and Friday evening from 9 to 11:30.  Island girls are invited to attend these dances.  They are well conducted and there is excellent music.  The majority of the boys in uniform today are the same fun-loving boys that are found in the typical American home.

• Paul Billingsley Announces Home Defense Program – July 30, 1941 From – Local Emergency Commissioner.  To – People of Vashon Island.  Subject – Organization for Home Defense.  1. Of all people, we Americans of this generation have enjoyed a lifetime with the maximum of benefits and the minimum of duties.  The lightest taxes, the briefest terms of military service to our country, have been ours.  Each of us have been free to seek the good life in his own way, unregimented and unbossed.  2. Now it is to be seen whether such a way of life can survive in a world swarming with aggression, well drilled and fanatical nations marching at the word of all-powerful dictators.  The answer lies with the individual American.  Can he, of his own free will, do what has to be done to win security?  CAN A DEMOCRACY ORGANIZE ITSELF?  Knowing ourselves, we know the answer; - “THE PEOPLE, YES!”  3. The state of Washington is abreast of any in facing this problem.  The organization of the citizens for home defense and national security has been set in motion by act of the Governor, and is rapidly taking form.  We people of Vashon Island have been assigned our proper place and must prepare to do our part, that our community may be a strong and not a weak link in the system.  4. We start with many advantages.  While of diverse national and racial stocks, we are united in devotion to the country which is now our home, to its present security and its future welfare.  We are prepared to lay aside sentimental loyalties to old “home countries”, as Americans have always done at the call of the new land from the British-bred colonials of 1776 to the German-Americans of 1917.  5. And on Vashon Island we have the special assets of an island community.  Our boundaries are fixed and clear, and we are all together inside them.  So are we quite definite as to where we belong and who are our neighbors.  Sometimes we have been isolated and have had to fend for ourselves, and we have found that by our own efforts and teamwork we can take care of ourselves.  And in the teamwork we have gained that most vital element of strength to nations, as well as communities, confidence in each other.  We know that our teammates will pull their weight and will not let us down.  6. In this spirit of the local emergency defense organization of Vashon Island is proceeding.  The Island is Local Defense Area No. 10, a subdivision of State District No. 1, which is King County.  The Island organization is under the direction of 1st District Commission, made up of leading citizens of Seattle and vicinity.  Paul Billingsley is Local Emergency Commissioner for Vashon Island, with Harry M. Janney as assistant.  An advisory staff consists of: - David Cook, South End; F.B. Haskell, Magnolia Beach; Harry Robbins, Burton; Theo Berry, Dockton; George McCormick, Vashon; Edgar Peck, Commercial Club.  7. The state organization provides for the establishment in each Local Defense Area of the following units.  (Vashon Island captains in brackets.)  Air Raid Precaution (Geo. McCormick) Americanism (John Ober) Auxiliary Firemen (Herb Creevey) Auxiliary Police (John Metzenberg) Communications (C.L. Garner) Medical (F.A. McMurray) Supply (Garner Kimmel) Transportation (A.H. Petersen)  The functions of these units are obvious.  In carrying out these functions the cooperation of all existing organizations is requested, each in its appropriate field.  Veterans of the American Legion and V.F.W. posts occupy important positions in recognition of the experience, discipline and loyalty of these organizations.  County officials have pledged full cooperation, backed by sheriff’s department and road and fire departments.  8. With the utmost confidence I now ask the people of Vashon Island (Local Defense Area No. 10) to support this home defense organization and when called upon by the various captains to participate in its duties where and when requested.  Paul Billingsley, Local Emergency Commissioner, Local Defense Area No. 10.

• None of Our Business – Theoretically it is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS that traffic regulations are violated on our Island.  But of the sub-rosa comments, heard on every side, are any indication there is plenty of thinking, like ours, being done.  Definitely it is no more the business of the editor other than that is might be one of her sons who was killed or did the killing, than it is of YOU, and YOU and YOU!  The following telegram, sent last Wednesday, July 23, to the acting chief of the Washington State Patrol, remains unanswered:  “Increasing violation of traffic regulations on our Island will eventually result in tragedy.  Is there not some way of providing patrol officer for week-ends if not full time?  Our Island is definitely a portion of Washington.”  It remains to be seen if the one sent Tuesday by the Burton Improvement Club is to be likewise ignored:  “Tragedy prophesied last week by editor of local paper occurred on Vashon Island Friday night.  Traffic violations continue unabated.  May we not have all drivers licensed, all cars tested and patrol officer at least part time for remainder of summer?”  We know that the habitually reckless driver is a human animal that must be controlled just like any other potential killer.  In the jungles there is no need for such control.  But when a killer is brought to civilization he must be chained or in a cage.  The question then is pertinent, “Is Vashon-Maury Island the jungles, or is it a part of a civilized commonwealth?”  If the former is true we need no control; if the latter is correct it is our duty to demand protection.

• Members of Pioneer Society Recall Early Days On Vashon – The Vashon-Maury Pioneer Society met together in its 18th annual meeting and picnic last Sunday at Odd Fellows Hall, Center, in what was generally conceded to be one of its best, with some forty-five members present.  President Francis M. Sherman and secretary-treasurer O.S. Van Olinda were re-elected, while Mrs. Capitola Price, of Kent was elected vice-president, filling the vacancy caused by the passing of Frank W. Bibbins.  One important piece of business transacted was the advancing of “Pioneer” date from 1890 to 1900, which was done with almost unanimous approval.  This means that any person who was, or whose ancestors were, here prior to the close of the year 1900 are eligible for membership.  We will be more than pleased to receive a card of particulars from all such.  There are no obligations, except that you attend the meetings when possible, and be proud that you are a member of a pioneer family.  Members present from more or less distant points included Mrs. Hazel Price Parrahm and Halsey Taylor, of Seattle; Mrs. Amy Clarke Deppman, Grand Coulee; Mrs. Lou Price Stinson and Lynn Price, Tumwater; Charles A. Cook, Tacoma; Mrs. Beatrice Thompson May and daughter, Beatrice, Concepcion, California; Mr. and Mrs. George Risser, Bangor, Washington.  There are but two first-generation pioneers still living here and both were present, Jesper Therkelsen, who as 94 last January, and Mrs. Letitia Jacobs, who just recently celebrated her 90th birthday.  Youngest member was Miss Marjorie VanOlinda Janney, 28 months and of the fourth generation.  Chas. Cook called on by the president to speak took many of the second generation back to the years when his wife taught the first school in the first little log schoolhouse at Center and they learned their three R’s the hard way by walking, some of them five or six miles to school for the most part through dense timber and over trails and skid roads.  In true pioneer fashion he dwelt lightly on the hardships and bore down on the pleasures of those days long gone.  He went modern for only a brief moment to bemoan the ferry rates which make it so expensive to visit the island.  Rev. E.M. Hill made a few pointed remarks about these same rates, frankly admitting that they almost excused the use of profanity.  George Risser reminisced at random but said of the transportation situation:  “When I came to the Island it would have taken three full days to come to Vashon from where I now live.  Today it took me just under an hour to come from my door to the hall at Center.”  Figuring time, horse shoes, horse feed, wagon cost and upkeep, row boats, cars, umbrellas and shoe-leather perhaps our transporation costs are not so excessive as they seem.  Harris Ward, in his usually interesting style went back over the years with us, admitting that he had sometimes strayed from the fold, but always returned to Vashon because there just simply was no better place to live in this world.  Ervin Thompsion held it up beside the dust bowl of Kansas and Nebraska and deftly tossed the dust bowl into the garbage can.  Fannie Kingsbury Davis passed a well-deserved verbal birthday bouquet to Mrs. Jacobs and old friends parted, feeling that it had been good indeed to have met and mingled once again.  –O.S. VanOlinda, Secretary.

• Editorial – WE TOO ARE ALIKE GUILTY! – It has been repeatedly stated by accident insurance companies that there is no such thing as an unavoidable accident.  And analysis of any accident, in the light of cold after facts bears out this statement.  The accident which Friday night claimed the life of a happy laughing youngster, returning from the sort of outing any small boy of nine would enjoy, should prove a sobering lesson to every driver who knew and liked the little fellow and his earnest hard-working parents, not to mention the driver whose misfortune the accident was.  Such remarks as, “I’ve seen those children riding in the back of that car often and thought how dangerous it was,” was made not once, but many times the next day.  And the pity of it is we frequently see other conditions, just as dangerous, every day and say and do nothing about it, simply because people are “our friends.”  Suppose there had been a state patrol officer on the Island who had stopped the driver and told him either to drive slowly or find other means to get the children home.  Undoubtedly he would have been indignant and would have resented it, but no one doubts whose “friend” that officer would have proven to be.  Consider the joy of the parents could little Buddy’s life have been spared; consider the joy of the little brother, who lived on, could his constant pal be with him again; consider the gratitude and relief of the driver if he could escape the long years ahead of looking at his own little boy and thinking, “That’s what Buddy was like, - or would be like – if he was this age.”  And no amount of sorrow or indignation can keep any true parent from pitying a young man as decently and gently reared as he has been for the heavy load which in a split second converted him from a carefree, happy boy to a man with a burden of regret.  Buddy Brenno’s death was avoidable.  No one knows definitely at what rate of speed the car was being driven.  Whatever it was, it was too fast for a road with which a driver was not entirely familiar.  An official this week stated that there was not an Island road, including the paved highway, where a speed of 45 miles an hour was safe.  Where Friday night’s accident happened, on a dirt road, a bad curve, no reflectors to give warning, a speed of anything like the legal allowance was suicide.  The bank down which the car rolled was not high, and frequently cars have rolled farther than that without fatal results, but not with three children standing in a hole where a rumble seat had been!  Of course we are all “friends,” but until there is a cleanup of traffic conditions; until cars are put off the highway unless they have a clean bill of health; until unlicensed drivers are made to comply with the law; until a disorderly driver is as summarily dealt with as a disorderly Indian; until speeding is in a measure controlled; until these wrongs are righted without fear or favor, then and then only will others using our highways be safe from potential manslaughter.  And if in our indifference we allow this condition to go on we too should be arraigned with the offenders.  Your son or mine may by the next to die or to go through life hardened with a weight of guilt that he has, without criminal intent, taken a human life.

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August 1941

August 7, 1941

• Plans Shaping Up For The Vashon Island Fair – Despite change in plans and date prospects for another successful fair are shaping up favorably.  (The Vashon Island Fair will be held at the Island Club Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23.)

• Road Surfacing Adds More Parking Space – In order to relieve traffic congestion which is particularly bad in Vashon during the week-end South District road workers this week are completing black-top surfacing of dirt roads adjacent to the concrete highway.  On the west side of the pavement north of Vashon the road has been graded out to the sidewalk and surfaced from the bank building to the first alley.  This will permit parking space within easy distance of stores and theatre during shopping and show hours.  Commissioner Archie Phelps considered this work necessary after observing conditions in the village on busy Saturday afternoons as he was supervising other road oiling.  Growth of the village he believes will require drastic changes, in line with requests from the Vashon Business Men’s Club.  Added space, however, was necessary before these regulations could be enforced.

• State Patrol Investigates Traffic Conditions On Island – In response to requests from individuals and organizations officer J.E. McElhiney, of the Washington State Patrol, was on the Island Monday.  He stated that he felt highly complimented that he had been chosen by James A. Pryde, Acting Chief, to call on representative citizens of the Island and determine exactly what our problems over here might be.  Officer McElhiney reiterated the promise contained in a letter from Chief Pryde to the News-Record, which reached the office Monday that arrangements will be made for a part-time patrol, and that every effort would be made to give the people of Vashon Island the protection to which they were justly entitled.  It was pointed out by several to whom the officer talked that there was great need of a portable testing station for these cars which could not be taken off the Island for this purpose without undue inconvenience, expense and infraction of existing laws.  Until such time it will not be possible to clear our highways of cars now being driven with faulty lights, only one and in same cases no lights, and other defects.  In the matter of drivers without licenses officer McElhiney was unable to receive an answer to his question as to whether there were enough of such to warrant the department sending over paraphernalia for testing.  The officer stated that he would place before his chief all the facts that he had been able to gather, stressing the need of a testing station particularly.  Just when, or how frequently he will be here for duty also remains to be determined.  He agreed there were evidently many existing conditions that required remedying and that with cooperation of civic-minded citizens traffic regulations could be more effectively enforced, making our highways safer.

 August 14, 1941

• Driving Tests To Be Held Here August 18 and 19 – It was announced Tuesday by Officer McElhney of the Washington State Patrol that two clerks with equipment for driver’s tests would be on the Island Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19.  On his recent visits here the officer found many drivers without licenses, and recognizing the problem of transportation confronting residents of the Island he recommended to his superiors that facilities for taking tests be provided for Vashon-Maury Island.  Officer McElhiney stressed the necessity of everyone taking this examination who are now driving without a license.  After the test is given anyone apprehended driving without a license will be taken into court.  Vashon-Maury is slated to receive more attentions from the Washington State Patrol than it has in the past so the check-up on drivers without licenses will be made more frequently.  The examination for driver’s license will be held at the King County Building west of Center, Monday and Tuesday August 18 and 19.  To accommodate various hours of employed persons on Monday tests will be given from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday from 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.  The officer pointed out that everyone whose driver’s license is a number lower than 500000 and who has not taken an examination since July 1 will have to take the examination before a two-year license can be issued.  Although the driver’s license was renewed during July the renewal is only a temporary one.  He pointed out that this test, for drivers previously licensed, was eyesight and reaction, and would take but a few minutes.

• Island Grange To Be Organized – A good attendance of farmers marked a meeting held at the Island Club Friday night for the purpose of organizing a local Grange.  With Ted Lloyd, deputy master presiding a number of informative talks were given by Ira F. Shea, state lecturer, Fred Nelson of Renton Junction, past master of the state Grange, and Leland White, master of the King County Pomona Grange.  Committees were appointed from among the thirty who have signed up for membership to a Grange to ask other farmers to attend the next meeting which will be held at the Island Club Wednesday evening August 24 for the purpose of organization.  This will be an open meeting to which anyone interested is invited.

• Former Pupils Gather at Center School – Former pupils of Chautauqua, Quartermaster and Center, with members of their families attended Sunday’s annual reunion held in the Center School recreation hall.  New officers elected for the coming year were Lena Hofmeister Wetmore, president; Otto Therkelsen, vice-president; Leola Miner Soike, secretary-treasurer.  Soon after noon 41 sat down to a table fairly groaning with good food.  They were joined later by several not able to be in time for dinner.  The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to a short program and reminiscences.  Here from away were Oren R. Richards, a former teacher now in Oregon; Adelaide Fuller Newcomb, Mabel Fuller Carpenter, Myrtle Fuller Foster, Lena Hofmeister Wetmore and two children, Minnie Hofmeister Hill and daughter, Julia Hofmeister Dunn and family, Leola Miner Soike and family, Ewald Peterson and mother, Arthur Holmes and wife, Robert Holmes and wife, Nels Hanson and wife, all of Seattle; Gladys Wilbur Traeger and husband, of Alaska; Roscoe Wilbur and wife of Eatonville.

 August 21, 1941

• M.A. Jacobson Will Head South End Organization – Watermelon Feast Adds Zest To Community Meeting – Malden A. Jacobson and Ralph J. Carnahan two Tacomans who have purchased homes in recent months at Tahlequah, will direct the destiny of the South End Community Club for the ensuing year.  Jacobson is with the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company’s real estate department and Carnahan is an optician.

• Work on Parking Lot Progresses Rapidly – Work on the new parking lot at the head of the Vashon Heights dock is progressing with record speed and when completed will furnish room for hundreds of cars.  In conjunction with this project the level of the previous parking lot is being lowered as initial work on the new highway from the top of the Heights hill.  The dirt is being removed with steam shovels and used to make a huge fill that will furnish the parking space which utilizes the lot recently purchased by the Commercial Club and the one next to it, purchased later by the county.  The new road will follow the one which goes straight north from the north gate of the Falcon’s Nest, down the hill to the new one cutting through to the head of the dock.  Several bad curves will be eliminated, giving the road a gradual sweep onto the dock.  The parking space will be easily accessible from this road and although the walk to the dock will be a bit longer parking can be more quickly effected for there will be no uphill drive.  Trucks will be barred from the use of the new highway which will have an oiled surface.  Work is being pushed as rapidly as possible so that the late summer sunshine can be utilized for drying the oil, and the highway and parking lot made ready for winter use.

• Use of Garbage Dump To Be Continued – Edgar W. Pack, president of the Commercial Club, reports that prompt action on the part of the local road supervisor, cooperation of Commissioner Archie Phelps, and use of county equipment which resulted in a clean-up of the inexcusable mess at the garbage dump east of Center, has influenced Royce Wise, owner of the land in permitting one more chance for the public to demonstrate its appreciation.  The patience of Mr. Wise has been sorely tried as after some time the road has been blocked by those poor citizens, who were too lazy, or indifferent to dump refuse over the edge of the canyon.  Commissioner Phelps informed Mr. Pack that since this was originally a club project and permission to use the ground as a dump had been given the organization by Mr. Wise officers and members would have to be responsible for the apprehension of those failing to comply with dumping regulations and to appear against them before the proper authorities.  Cooperation was pledged by practically every business man in instructing his employees where to dump garbage, and in reporting any abuse of this privilege.  As a result Mr. Wise is withholding his earlier judgment and will not post the property until there is an opportunity to observe the public’s reaction.

 August 28, 1941

• New Bus Pleases - Apparently patrons of the Vashon Island Transit Company are well pleased with the handsome new 40-passenger bus, one of the most modern on the coast.  Powered by a 145 h.p. motor, mounted in the rear, there is lots of power for any load the bus may be called upon to carry.  This motor is accessible from the rear, or from the inside of the baggage compartment.  This compartment provides 176 cubic feet of storage space.  In addition to the 72 cubic feet provided by the overhead luggage racks in the passenger compartment.  A few of the new features, which are interesting to those who have inspected the coach are an electric horn for city driving and air horns for the country; three large heaters and a windshield defroster; emergency door on the left rear of coach; lights on dashboard that indicate when motor, baggage or emergency doors are open; spare tire mounted under coach, accessible from side door; sliding window, easily opened; lights at each seat; adequate wind shield swipes.  No small part of the load the bus is capable of carrying is the large amount of gas, carried in tanks of 50 and 60 gallon capacity on either side of the body.  This new 1941 Yellow Coach provides Vashon Island with all of the latest conveniences for a traveling public, and is a credit to the transportation company, which is constantly striving to increase the number of Island residents by providing the best facilities for commuters.

• Many Awards Made At Vashon Island Fair – Not only was the display of the WPA canning and gardening projects admired for its tasteful arrangement, but it was gratifying to see the results that mean hot, nourishing school lunches during the coming winter.  Bean-vines, that rival the storybook kind, and fresh vegetables spilling from a bushel basket, were evidence of what Island soil can produce.  The canned vegetables have all come from the WPA garden, and many hundreds of quarts more, just as expertly prepared, will be ready for hot lunches, beginning October 1.  Mrs. Evaline Boggs has been in charge of the canning project, sponsored by Island schools.

• Black Ball Exhibit Features Beauties of Northwest

• Lovely Display of Blossoms Shown at Island Fair

• Editorial – Japanese To Take Part In Defense – To us one of the most heartening signs of the times, an incident which surmounts wars and rumors of wars as far as our community is concerned, occurred last week.  At a meeting of the Vashon Japanese Association, called spontaneously for the purpose of determining the manner in which our Japanese neighbors could best serve the land of their adoption, first generation Japanese listened attentively as their sons, American citizens, explained their opportunity to help America.  It must be borne in mind that among some of the older members of the 28 families living here their only means of gaining information is through their children since a number are unable to read or write English.  Educated in our public schools the second generation inform themselves through newspaper and radio.  They explain to the older people in detail about defense stamps and bonds with the result that each household will invest whatever possible for the defense of the United States.  The younger Japanese were instructed by their elders to get in touch with Paul Billingsley for instruction in the part that Japanese can take in the home defense program of which Mr. Billingsley is local chairman.  It was pointed out that on the West Coast the Japanese just be prepared to play an important part in the vital production of food, and the local Japanese residents are anxious to do their share of that work.  A sum of money was voted which will send ten or more yearly subscriptions of whatever magazine may be decided upon to an army post, probably Fort Lewis, since the one Island Japanese draftee, Em Miyoshi, is in that camp.  It has been a matter of pride with Island Japanese to do their part in all matters of community enterprise.  It will be recalled that in the drive for ambulance funds their contribution was larger than any other group.  In Red Cross drives the Japanese families have been represented almost 100 percent.  And now in defense enterprise they are again stepping out in front with a drive for purchase of defense bonds and stamps; by volunteering help in home defense, and in contributing magazines to combat the empty moments that shatter the morale of American soldiers.

• Mrs. Nettie Jones Dies In Seattle

• The obituary of Mrs. Harriet D. Ward was published

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September 1941

September 4, 1941

• Reorganization Board Here – Attended by board members and local school principals a meeting was held Tuesday night at the high school for the purpose of discussing a plan for the reorganization of Island schools according to the provisions enacted by the 1941 legislature.  Plans are being made for reorganization of school districts all over the state.  Where there are now 78 existing districts in King County it is planned to reduce the number to 13.  Consolidation, as it has been understood in the past, does not necessarily make for greater efficiency, particularly when transportation is involved.  Administration of the Island schools if there were reorganization would be by a board of five members, chosen according to population.

• Has Lots of Children – Charles Moore, principal of the Columbia School, thinks that the Old Woman in the Shoe had nothing on him!  An unprecedented enrollment of 64 at Columbia gives Mr. Moore 35 pupils, divided into fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades, on top of his duties as principal.  But before your tears begin to flow too freely in sympathy be assured that there are few school men better equipped by temperament, enthusiasm, and ability than Mr. Moore.  The parents of Columbia can be satisfied that his heavy task will be handled expertly.  But 35 pupils is still too many for any teacher with four grades!

• THE AMERICAN’S CREED – I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable, established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity, for which Americans patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.  I therefore believe it my duty to my country to love it; to support its constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

• D.A.R. Program 1941-42 Theme – American Democracy Based on Spiritual Values

• Tahlequah’s Summer Colony Is Rained Out – With Jupiter Pluvius and his cohorts in the driver’s seat, most of Tahlequah’s summer colony departed Sunday and Monday midst a generous downpour.  Mattresses, bedding and left-over supplies, etc. were soaked before the folks were able to get their dunnage to the ferry pier or the Yankee Boy dock at Point Dalco.  The weather over the holidays was the worst experienced here in years, and the result was that somewhat of a pall settled over the residents, who live here the year ‘round as they watched the summer colony on its trek to either Tacoma or Seattle.  And they’ll not return until Decoration Day of 1942.  Despite the exodus, Tahlequah will enjoy a larger year ‘round colony than at any time in its history.

• Large School Of Black Fish Put On A Show – Somewhat in the vein of a final entertainment for the summer colony at Tahlequah, a large school of blackfish performed between the ferry pier, Point Dalco, Point Defiance and Sunrise beach for several hours Sunday afternoon.  So playful and noisy was the school that even the Rust yacht Electra paused for an hour or more in midstream to watch the performance.  A number of other yachts and small craft did likewise.

 September 11, 1941

• The Sportsmen’s Column by Uncle Joe – Brother Lamoreau from Judd Creek gave us some interesting information on the increase of spawning salmon going up that stream.  In 1932 exactly four fish found their way home.  This number has increased every year until last year they could be counted by the hundreds, so taking out the traps has done a lot for fish conservation.  The more fish coming to spawn in Judd Creek means more fish to be caught in the waters adjacent to the Island.  Let’s all try and protect the run this year and have better fishing in the years to come.  We will have more news on the hunting season next week.  So until then, Your “Uncle Joe.”

• Island Women Organize For Emergency Defense Work – Under the leadership of Mrs. F.J. Shattuck, Chairman of Women’s Auxiliary Services, the women of Vashon Island are organizing for Civilian Defense Work.  Following England’s lead the women plan to prepare themselves for service in many branches in case of emergency.  Among the several types of service planned, are groups for the special talents and training and ability to serve of each woman.  Among these groups are a Motor Corps, with both ambulance and transport divisions.  A signal Corps will deal with both clerical work and communications.  A Nursing Corps will prepare to care for the sick children and the aged, as well as prepare emergency surgical supplies.  A Commissary Corps will plan their activities in providing food in case of emergency, while a Housing Corps will make a survey of the housing facilities to evacuees and plan for the care of children.  Emergency Wardens will prepare to assist in the policing of the Island and to act as guides.  Each group will meet separately under a chairman appointed by the Chairman of the Women’s Auxiliary Services. They will be trained for their separate activities as soon as teachers are available.  As many women as possible will be given Red Cross First Aid training.

• Margaret Spalding Will Wed Mr. Leon Rosser of Seattle.

• NOTICE: Effective September 14, 1941 – Due to the need of giving our drivers one day a week off, there will be no Sunday delivery of milk for the duration of the winter months.  Please arrange with drivers for your Sunday needs.  Thank you, E.W. Lande.

• Ferry Has Difficulty In Making Landings – During the little blow last week, the ferry Crosline experienced difficulty in landing at Tahlequah, and folks are wondering what will occur when heavy weather really sets in.  Several trips were slightly off schedule, as considerable difficulty was encountered in warping the ferry into the pier.  To the layman it appears that there are two few dolphins to permit a good landing when wind and tide are strong.  The Crosline has to be landed differently than the M.F. Skansonia and Defiance because she only has one engine, and there are fewer dolphins now than when the latter boats were on the Point Defiance – Tahlequah run.

• Dog Fishermen Pause To Assist In Log Round-up – When a raft being towed by the Foss tug, Rustler, went to pieces off Point Dalco Friday afternoon a number of boats fishing for dogfish aided the skipper in rounding up the logs.  The Rustler arrived from down the Pass on the ebb tide, and was making fair headway when the raft broke.  By the time the logs had been re-rafted and strung alongside the Rustler, the morning tide has set in.  The tug was carried towards Seattle, but with her engine working at top speed she finally was able to buck the tide, and proceed to Tacoma.

 September 18, 1941

• Vashon Store Changes Hands Four Times In Half-Century – Announcement was made this week that the F.A. Weiss Shurfine store in Vashon had been sold to Vernon Bethea and Fred Erb, who will operate under the name of the Vashon Shurfine Market.  The announcement started memories winging through the minus of old timers on the Island, for the store has changed hands but a few times in the fifty years since it was founded.  It has seen the growth of the village of Vashon as well as the entire north end of the Island.  Ira Thompson, who remembers when Frank Gorsuch built the original store building and stocked it in 1890, recalls that at that time there were probably less than 100 families living north of Center, and between the two shores of the Island.  In spite of this fact, the store was a success from the start Mr. Thompson stated, and although travel was tough and the mud deep Mr. Gorsuch was soon doing business with people throughout the length of the Island.  The Island was being logged in a number of places by ox team and in the late nineties the strawberry boom hit and the north end began to develop rapidly.  Transportation was the bugaboo in those days, with sometimes only one boat a week making the old Vashon dock, which was due east from the store site.  The store was originally on the southwest corner of the Vashon intersection, in the building now occupied by the hardware store.  It remained there until 1928 when it was moved to the present building, built by the late F.A. Weiss.  In all its history it has had only three previous sets of owners, Bethea and Erb being the fourth to take over.

• Local Officer Painfully Injured In Collision – Deputy Sheriff F.J. Shattuck was painfully injured late Saturday night when a car, driven by John Danielson of Dockton driving through Vashon and swerving to avoid a car backing out from the opposite curb crashed into the Shattuck car.  Shattuck was standing beside his car when the one driven by Danielson struck it, throwing his car violently against the officer.  The fender struck him on the knee, tearing the muscles loose and cracking the bone.  Mrs. Shattuck, who was seated in the car at the time, was thrown to the pavement but escaped injury.  Indications are that Shattuck’s injuries will keep him off his feet for several weeks.

• Bethea And Erb New Owners Of Shurfine Store At Vashon – Vernon Bethea, of Bethea and Erb, who have announced the purchase of F.A. Weiss Shurfine Store this week, is well known to Vashon Island residents.  He has lived on Vashon Island since 1929 and now has his home just to the west of the town of Vashon.  Mr. Bethea has had sixteen years’ experience in the grocery and meat business and since coming to the Island has worked in several local stores, making a host of friends.  He is enthusiastic about their membership in the Associated Grocers and is certain that with the buying power thus provided for the Vashon Shurfine Market customers will be able to save themselves many a thrifty penny in bargains.  Fred C. Erb, who will manage the meat department at the Vashon Shurfine Market, is a new resident on the Island.  He has brought his family with him, his wife and their two children, a son, four, and a daughter, eight, who is attending the Burton Grammar School.  The Erbs have taken the beach home of Dr. and Mrs. Coutts on Quartermaster Harbor.  Mr. Erb attended the University of North Dakota and the College of Puget Sound in Tacoma.  He was employed with the Carsten Packing Company for 14 years as salesman and branch house manager.  Since then he has been in business for himself in Kelso for the past six years.  Mr. Erb has a genial personality and should soon find many friends on the Island, particularly as he confesses to a great love for hunting and fishing.

 September 25, 1941

• Women’s Defense Auxiliary For Vashon-Maury Is Formed

• Jim Butler Assists In The Rescue Of 14 Persons – “Just like a boy,” was the remark of his mother and the editor of the News-Record as they read with pride a clipping sent by James Butler, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Butler of Burton, which was without date line or heading to tell when the incident occurred or from what paper it was clipped.  But it told simply and graphically of Jim’s part in the rescue of 14 persons off the Atlantic Coast near the Nahant Coast Guard Station in Massachusetts.

• The deaths of Harry Shaw, brother of J.F. Shaw, Hjalmer Krogh, Nels Swan and Mrs. Ada Crocroft were published.

• The wedding of Miss Margaret Spalding to Mr. Leon A. Rosser was reported.

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October 1941

October 2, 1941 Missing

October 9, 1941 Missing

October 16, 1941

• Defense Work Of Permanent Benefit To Vashon Island – Stressing the point that the accomplishments of the various units of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Emergency Defense Commission would be of permanent value to the Island, Mrs. F.J. Shattuck, Captain, heard reports from her chairmen last Monday evening when the group met with Paul Billingsley, Emergency Commissioner.  Mrs. Shattuck told the group that their work would not be fruitless even if a War Emergency should arise.  She said that this country has resolved never again to be lax, necessitating such tremendous effort to prepare for an impending danger.  The organization and effort exerted at this time shall remain a permanent backbone for future welfare and relief work.  The housing facilities, medical supplies, fire equipment and work crews will be available long after the War Emergency has passed.

• Burton Threatened By Early Morning Fire – Fire, which broke out early Monday morning in the woodhouse back of the Burton post office, spread rapidly and gutted the apartment occupied by Mrs. L.S. Robe.  Fortunately volunteer help arrived in time to prevent the flames from getting through the roof.  Presumably the fire ignited from hot ashes in a tin container set out in the woodshed, which was attached to the rear of the building.  The damaged building is part of the Hunt estate, and was fairly well covered by insurance.  Mrs. Robe’s furniture and personal belongings, little of which was saved, were not insured. 

• Civilian Fire Defense Rapidly Organizing – With Beall Greenhouse Company employees as a nucleus fire defense for Vashon-Maury Island is being organized under Ferguson Beall who was appointed by Paul Billingsley, commissioner for Local Defense Area 10 as captain of Civilian Fire Defense.  Look-outs have been appointed in all areas and letters sent them with detailed directions for detecting and reporting fires.

• The obituary of W.B. Stafford was published.

 October 23, 1941

• Armistice Day Observance Promises Dramatic Feature – Vashon Islanders attending the next meeting of the Vashon Island Commercial Club on the evening of November 10 are promised something new and startling in the way of entertainment, according to Paul Billingsley, defense commissioner for Vashon Island.  The entertainment is to be called an “Animated Defenseograph,” a nomenclature admittedly coined for the occasion.  The coining was necessary due to the fact that nothing similar in the way of defense education is known to be in existence and, consequently, no name for it.  The “Defenseograph” is a combination of dramatics, what the army calls “Kriegspiel,” which translates into war game, and some graphic instruction in the matter of Vashon Island’s peculiar situation and responsibilities in the event of active war reaching this portion of the United States. 

• Community Chest Drive For Vashon-Maury Island – Following a pattern set in many other communities Vashon-Maury Island will have its own community chest drive to raise funds for welfare needs and operation of our civilian defense program for the year ahead.  Vashon Island’s civilian defense activities require funds if leaders are to be relieved of the present necessity of paying necessary expenses out of their own pockets.  The reserve of the Commercial Club’s Milk and Medicine fund is about depleted. 

• The Betty-Ann Will Celebrate First Birthday

• Mock Air Raids Will Start Tuesday – The organization and activity of Vashon-Maury’s civilian defense unit has already attracted favorable attention and comment in county and state organization, and it is the hope of Commissioner Paul Billingsley that the performance of the personnel during approaching mock air raids will prove still greater efficiency.

• Stan Morrison Is Given Fifteen Year Term In State Pen – Stanley G. Morrison, 54 years old, and former resident of Burton, is under a 15-year sentence in Walla Walla, after having been found guilty by a jury on 11 counts of grand larceny.  Morrison was specifically accused of having defrauded Frank Berry, bother of Theodore Berry, Dockton, of nearly $30,000.  This was the second time Morrison saw a jury return a verdict against him since his own two firms, the Morrison Investment company, and Morrison & Co., failed early in 1936 with losses to a large number of investors, including residents of Vashon Island.  The first time was when a federal court found him guilty of using the mails to defraud.  He was sentenced to a five-year term in McNeil Island prison, and was paroled last May after serving nearly three years.  He since has been in the Pierce County jail.  Berry was one of the investors in the Morrison concerns.  Evidence showed that at various times during 1935 he gave Morrison amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, aggregating $29,000.

• One Of Highest In Nation – It is a matter of interest and pride to members of our Island community that in the latest Red Cross roll drive ours has one of the highest percentages of membership of any community in the nation.  On Vashon-Maury Island one out of every four persons is a member of the Red Cross.

• Three More Lads In Service – Three more Island boys have been added to the roster of those now in the service of their country.  Milton Walls enlisted for special training in the air corps and has been sent to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.  Herman Paulson has been sent to Camp Roberts, California and Otto Jacobson to Camp Grant, Illinois.  Island boys in the service are now scattered to all points of the compass.  Jim Butler in the Coast Guard is on the Atlantic Coast; Harold Agren and Ed Slagle are in the Phillippines; Bob Stoltz and Francis Miller in the Hawaiians; Jim Miller is up in the wilds of the Olympic Peninsula and George Haugland is down helping to guard Panama Canal.  Various and sundry of our lads are in between these extreme points, all making ready to defend America on land or sea, or in the air.

• The obituary of Mrs. Alice (Corbin) Wolverton was published.

 October 30, 1941

• Fire Department Hampered By Thoughtless Bystanders – Monday evening, as a volunteer fire department was having a tryout preparatory to Tuesday’s mock air raid a run was made to the fire hydrant in front of the News-Record office.  Several cars were parked so close to it that it was impossible to get near this hydrant.  Men and equipment were moved to the hydrant beside the Vashon Hardware.  As the truck drove south in the block instead of getting out of the way at the sound of the siren a driver took his own sweet time in pulling out of the way.  Learning of this the News-Record requested Ferguson Beall, captain of the Civilian Fire Defense, and head of the volunteer fire department for Local Defense Area No. 10, for some constructive suggestions.  The following are, we believe, so pertinent that they can be passed on without additional comment:  “Please remember that the men driving and on a fire truck do not know when they start out whether there is a false alarm or a disastrous fire.  The law is that cars must pull over to the side of the road and STOP when the driver hears a siren.  There are men riding on the outside of a heavy, fast moving truck who must take enough risks without battling traffic and there is no compensation insurance for volunteer firemen which covers Vashon Island.  These men are being trained to begin laying hose before the truck comes to a full stop, connect it to the hydrants and have the hose full of water and on the blaze in 60 seconds.  If anyone is standing near the moving hose they are in danger or in the way.  In the past few days there has been trouble with cars not pulling out of the way at the sound of the siren.  This is a big Island, with narrow highways!  We cannot expect men to give time night and day, place themselves as wage earners in danger without compensation, and not give them a helping hand whenever possible.  After all, if your home caught on fire tonight, what would you think of this program then?  Even parking in front of a fire hydrant, now a common practice, must pass out of fashion if the volunteer fire department is given the chance to work efficiently.”

• Our Older Neighbors – Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Robinson – Maybe they have been jolly people because of it, or maybe they selected the date because they were jolly people, but when Miss Stella G. Letts and Arthur B. Robinson selected Hallowe’en of 1883 for their wedding day they had no reason to more than hope that 58 years later in the middle of Puget Sound, which meant little to them then, they would still be celebrating the most important date of their life together.  And although years have taken their toll in steps a little slower, hair a little whiter Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are finding that Time has been wonderfully kind.  They were busy, happy years as their children arrived, and probably because the years were so full they sped rapidly past, and before they knew what had happened it was time for them to take life a bit more leisurely.  And of course no better place could be found than the Northwest, where they came in 1920 and Maury Island, where they have lived since 1927.  At Tuckahoe, near Fernheath, they have found pleasant living and many, many friends.  Mrs. Robinson is active in the Maury Women’s Club, the D.A.R. and neighborhood interests.  Mr. Robinson, still finding that life can be good even at the age of 92, keeps well and busy.  An expert card enthusiast he can still hold his own with his sons, who are tremendously proud of him when he trims them soundly.  On their wedding anniversary last fall Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were visited by representatives of the Heinz Company and presented with a beautiful gift box containing all of the famous “57” varieties.  This was the last time such a gift was given by the company, the conclusion of a practice of many years, presentation of such a gift to all couples who had reached their 57th anniversary.

• Bus Patrons Notice – The loading zone heretofore used at Second Ave. and Stewart Street by southbound Vashon Island passengers has been changed to east side of Second Ave. at PINE Street – one block south of former stop.  Vashon Island Transit Company.

• Building Inspection In Near Future – It was announced this week that in the near future there would be an authorized inspection of all public buildings on the Island to determine the location, if any, of existing conditions that constitute a fire menace to the public, or to surrounding property.

• Vashon Island Escapes Air Attack Tuesday! – Fire Department Supplies Thrills – Vashon Island got by the first day of the current air maneuvers without being bombed – but the civilian defense units were not entirely pleased.  Observation posts were manned, motor corps girls roamed the highways, and General Headquarters listened.  Not a whisper of an airplane engine was heard.  The sky overhead was filled with fog, which overflowed into a hazy drip along the ground.  Visibility was poor, and bombing and interceptor squadrons were as scarce as ectoplasm.  About five minutes past twelve Seattle broadcasting stations called “Army Flash!” and followed with the announcement that the alert had been called off for the rest of the day.  Vashon defense commissioner Paul Billingsley got his communications unit into action to check on the report.  At twelve-thirty another “Army Flash!” came through the air, repeating the previous announcement.  Brief as it was, however, the day was not without its high points.  Outstanding was the performance of the new Vashon Island Fire department, headed by Captain Ferguson Beall.  A practice fire was set in the rear of the Met-Cro garage.  At 11:02 John Metzenberg, captain of the auxiliary police, phoned in the alarm.  At 11:06 the fire truck, manned by stalwarts from the Beall greenhouses, swung into the area in front of the garage.  At 12:10 the fire, of the nature set by incendiary bombs, and fought by the combined use of sand and water, was completely out.  “You’ve got a real fire department.” was the comment of the navy officer who was the accidental witness to the test.

• Drive For Old Records – One of Seattle’s department stores is making a drive for old phonograph records, which will be used in the manufacture of new ones.  This is due to the demands of materials for national defense.  Friends of the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital may help by turning in records they no longer use, which will be redeemed at two cents each.  Here on the Island they may be left at the Bickle Furniture store.

• Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sakahara entertained at a series of sukiyaki dinners recently.  Monday night their guests were Mr. and Mrs. John Ober and Mrs. Agnes L. Smock, and Wednesday evening they entertained Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Grant and Miss Ida Wilson.

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November 1941

November 6, 1941 Missing

November 13, 1941

• Child Rescued From Drowning; Saved By Pulmotor – Monday morning parents of little two-year-old Diana Dodds missed her and while they were looking about for her her uncle, Donald Zorn, saw the child floating in the Sound a short distance from the cottage which Mr. and Mrs. Dodds are occupying for a few weeks.  She was unconscious when rescued.  By a narrow margin a tragedy was averted, as described in a communication which the baby’s grandmother, Mrs. F.J. Zorn, has requested the News-Record to print, and which expresses her deep appreciation.  “The other day there was a near tragedy at our house.  A beloved grandchild wandered off a few feet from the bulkhead about a beach cottage during high tide.  Just what and how it all happened no one exactly knows.  She was out of sight only a short time.  When the parents found her though, she was cold, and apparently had stopped breathing.  The father, who has had years of scout training, put his knowledge of first aid to excellent use.  In the meantime, telephone wires hummed, calling for help.  Dr. McMurray was with us in practically the twinkling of an eye.  Then came the P.S.P.& L. truck with Mr. Garner and Fred Guglomo in charge of the pulmotor (which is something to carry down a trail to the beach).  Then came Mr. Shattuck.  All of them with wings on their feet, willing and anxious to help their neighbors in distress.  The writer, who is the grandma of little Diana Dodds, and lives on the brink of the hill above the beach cottage where it all happened, wants to take this opportunity to tell the world what a grand lot of neighbors live on Vashon Island.  In her case the sweet hand of sympathy has been extended in the past.  With a grateful heart, full of thankfulness and appreciation I am able to report that Diana is entirely recovered.”  Anna M. Zorn.

• Demonstration of Aerial Battle Depicted by Defensogram.

• Vashon Island was represented in the big Armistice Day parade by Masada “M” Miyoshi, a soldier at Fort Lewis, who drive one of the army trucks.  He is a member of Company A, 15th Infantry.

• The Sportsmen’s Column – Men and machines were busy last Sunday down at the clubhouse.  Big Bill Magill and his big cat did a man-size job grading the hill so we can have more parking space.  Deb and his pack of mudlarks did a swell job on the veranda floor; Al Therkelsen and his helpers on the stairs.  Al Roen and Company worked on the pump house, while Dave Canfield put coils in the stove.  Even Yours Truly did a good days work.  I guess Ray Campbell hasn’t smoked that big cigar yet as he also did a good day’s work.  Well, so long, Brothers, Your “Uncle Joe.”

 November 20, 1941

• First Annual Firemen’s Ball To Be Gala Affair

• Reverend Warren G. Hastings Will Speak Here Tuesday Evening

• Vashon Pirates Take Bees Second Time This Season

• Wellington Rupp Lauds Island Defense Unit

• Fire Damages Home On Maury Island – Fire, of undetermined origin, late Wednesday afternoon damaged the Pat Wyant house on Maury Island, occupied by the Wm. Cunningham family.  The roof and ceiling of the upper floor was badly damaged, and there was considerable damage from water, but had it not been for the quick arrival of fire apparatus and willing workers the house and its contents could easily have been destroyed.

• Those Boys In The Service – With the approach of the holiday season there is a renewed interest in our Island boys in the service of their country.  No time is more conducive to homesickness than Thanksgiving and Christmas, nor is there any better antidote than letters and cards from friends and neighbors at home.  Here is the News-Record’s list of young friends in the service.  It is not complete, but this is due to lack of cooperation on the part of the families of boys in the service.  Louis D. McPherson, Swiftshore Light Ship; Sgt. John M. Miller, 24th C.A. Battery E; F.J. Billte, S.S. 37, Flt. B. Bks 413; Milton A. Walls, Flt 1, 31st School Squadron; Edw. E. Slagle, U.S.M.C.; Lt. Harold Agren; Mas Nakamichi, Co. D. 26 Med. Tr. Bat.; Otto Jacobson, Co. B 27th Med. Trng. Bn; Pvt. Geo W. Haugland, Ft. Randolph; Herman J. Paulson, Camp Roberts, CA; Jim Butler, U.S. Coast Guard; James R. Church, U.S.S. Moffett; Robert Stoltz, Pearl Harbor; Edw. F. Calhoun, Fort Leonard Wood, MO; M. Miyoshi, Fort Lewis; Pvt. Jules L. Beasley, Manila, PI; Pvt. Joseph Milligan, Fort Douglas, Utah; P.F.C. Earl L. Brammer, Fort Lewis; Cpl. Beverly Moore, McChord Field; Peter Mertens, Camp Roberts, CA.  Other boys in the service, whose addresses we do not have are Gerald Fretz, Paul Amundsen, Ralph Jensen, Bennie Wilson and Gordon Foerschler. 

• The obituary of Charles A. Renouf was published.

• The wedding of Miss Virginia Long to Mr. Albert Meng was published.

 November 27, 1941

• Fire Department at Three Fires; Does Efficient Work – Vashon-Maury Island’s new volunteer fire fighters have had plenty of practice in the last week.  Last Wednesday they were called out and succeeded in saving from total destruction the Pat Wyant home on Maury Island, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. William Cunningham.  Saturday afternoon they responded to a call at the home of Mrs. T. Hansen at Vashon, where a fierce chimney fire was showering the roof with burning embers.  Monday noon they were again called out by a fire at Quartermaster, which totally destroyed the garage of W.E. Mason.  Water pumped from the bay effectively confined the flames and kept them from spreading to a chicken house a short distance from the burning building.  Fortunately Mrs. Mason had returned but a short time before from an errand and had left her car in the yard some distance from the garage so it was not damaged.

• Denton Jones Leaves Under Sealed Orders – Denton, an enlisted man, is a mechanic with an army bomber squadron.  A few weeks after completing special training in Illinois he returned to Fort Lewis.  Later he was ordered to Fort Douglas and from there to San Francisco.  At San Francisco several shiploads of bombers and supplies were loaded.  The men were given a code address to send to family and friends, and instructed to await orders, that might come at any moment, to sail to an unknown destination.  They were also informed that after sailing all mail would be censored so that their destination could remain secret.

• Add To Your List Of Service Men – Pvt. Allwyn A. Edson, Portland Air Base, Oregon; Corp. B.F. Wilson, Schofield Barracks, T.H.; P.F.C. Denton L. Jones, 9th Bomb Squadron.

• Old-Age Group To Meet Tuesday – The regular monthly meeting of Old-Age Pension Local 219 of Vashon Island will be held at two o’clock Tuesday afternoon, December 2, at the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. John Dahl, opposite the high school.  There will be a speaker.  All interested are invited.

• Vashon Methodist Church – “The Menace of the American Gestapo” is the subject of the sermon by the Rev. E.M. Hill at the Vashon Methodist Church next Sunday morning, November 30th.

• Reorganization Election Will Be Held December 6 – Last week three new pupils enrolled at Columbia School, bringing the total up to 73.  All of them were added to the lower room, making 33 pupils to be taught by one teacher.  This would not be so bad were it not for the fact that this teacher must give instruction in four grades.  Vashon-Maury Island lacks only one teacher of having enough to take care of the total school population – one grade to a teacher, and 20 pupils to a grade.  This it would seem, presents the best argument for the reorganization election Saturday, December 6.  Under one system adjustments could be made, permitting an overload in one school to be transferred to another school, and other operating economies.  The school population of the Island has steadily decreased since 1931, although new people are coming in increasing numbers.  In 1931-32 there was an enrollment of 701.  In the school year just passed it was only 630.  Reorganization, under the new state plan outlined here at a recent hearing, is designed for the purpose of equalizing enrollment in city and rural areas, and giving to poor districts the same educational advantages as those better off financially.  Under reorganization all Island districts would be formed into five director districts.  A system, similar to that of city school, would be in effect, with a superintendent, whose duties would be entirely supervisory, and principals of the various buildings.  It would permit special teachers for music, art, etc.  These director districts would be formed according to population, rather than geographically.  The school board would consist of a representative from each district.  Reorganization has been effected at Highline, which will now be able to have junior high school and where the vote was 13 to 1 in favor and on Mercer Island.  Other elections are pending and eventually will reduce King County to seven or nine districts, of which ours would be the smallest.  The election will be held in the schools of the six grammar districts, between the hours of one and eight in the afternoon.  Only registered voters may ballot, but those whose precinct lines do not correspond to school district boundaries may swear to register elsewhere.  It would appear that this is the most important election since consolidation of the Island into Union U, and a heavy vote is anticipated.  Parent-Teacher Associations are making an effort to inform every patron of the necessity of voting, and are working toward a record ballot.

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December 1941

December 4, 1941

• To Patrons Of Vashon-Maury Island Schools – In accordance with the Session Laws of 1941, Chapter 246 King County Committee for School District Reorganization submitted to the State Committee the proposal that Vashon-Maury Island be formed into one school district.  The State Committee approved the proposal and you, the people, are to vote on this December 6, 1941.  Reorganization means on Vashon-Maury Island (1) One school district (not one school).  (2) Better educational opportunities for the children due to combined resources, i.e. (a) Fewer grades per room  (b) Special teachers in music, art, etc.  (3) More economical administration of school funds.  (This would be a small item on the Island but may be some, due to larger purchasing power.)  (4) Opportunity to keep in step with the latest educational ideas  (a) The 6-3-3 plan (The grouping of the first six grades together; junior high school; senior high school)  (b) Vocational work  (c) Or any others that may prove advantageous  (5) It puts the Island in line for State and Federal Building Aid when needed.  The administration of the schools will be in the hands of five directors elected by the people in March.  Until March the present school directors elect five of their members to serve.  Reorganization is endorsed by Pearl Wanamaker, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Nina O. Buchanan, King County Superintendent of Schools; over eighty percent of the Island people who attended the public hearing November 3, 1941.  The election will be held in the schools of the six grammar districts between the hours of one and eight in the afternoon of Saturday, December 6.  Only registered voters may ballot but those whose precinct lines do not correspond to school district boundaries may swear to registration elsewhere.  Signed, Hubert A Spalding, Chairman King County Committee for School District Reorganization, William F. Pool, Secretary King County Committee for School District Reorganization.

• Petitions Submitted to County Auditor – Making a whirlwind campaign members of the Vashon Island Firemen’s Association in three days secured more than enough signatures on a petition for formation of a fire district, according to laws passed by the 1939 legislature.  Copies of the petition and signatures were sent to the county auditor Monday morning.  The law provides that this office shall be allowed 30 days for making a check of signatures, after which the petition shall be sent to the county commissioners; who will set the day for public hearing on the Island not less than 20 or more than 40 days later.  At the time of this hearing a date for election will be set at which time voters may express their pleasure in the matter to decide whether the Island shall or shall not be made a fire district.  For the instruction of voters a committee will prepare a digest of the law for publication, so that all will be prepared to vote intelligently.

• D. Bailey Injured On Highway – Failure to step from the pavement south of Vashon quickly enough to avoid an oncoming car resulted in painful injuries suffered by D. Bailey last Wednesday night.  The driver of the car, Carl Fuller, was unable to see the approaching pedestrian on account of heavy fog until too late to avoid hitting him.  Quick action on the part of Fuller prevented a fatal accident.  Mr. Bailey was carried to the Moberg home across the street.  Examination by Dr. F.A. McMurray disclosed a compound fracture of the right leg just above the ankle.  There were also numerous cuts and bruises.  As soon as the ambulance was called word was phoned to the Heights dock and the ferry held 10 minutes, making it possible for the injured man to get to Harborview shortly after the accident occurred.  He is getting along as well as could be expected, but will be confined to the hospital for some weeks.

• Auto Ferry Rates Reduced – New Rates Will Save Ferry Users $200,000 Yearly – Reduced automobile rates on all Puget Sound routes of the Black Ball Line, effective January 1, were announced Monday by Capt. Alex M. Peabody, president of the company, and Frederick G. Hamley, director of the Department of Public Service.  The reduction is more than 25 percent and the new rates will save ferry users of this area $200,000 a year, it was announced.  Announcement of this reduced schedule of tariffs came as a real Christmas surprise to ferry users.  Advocated by the Ferry Users’ Committee on many occasions the officials of the Black Ball Lines have approved the policy of lower rates as a means of increasing patronage and building up the cross-Sound areas.  The “dime store policy” of lower rates and business volume as a sound practice now has an excellent chance of being proven.  Rates are now lower than ever before in the history of Sound ferry transportation and now, if ever, will Vashon Island and other like communities be given a chance to develop, with increased commuter population.  Combining with the purchase of the South End ferry line, improved service, and an attitude of interest in growth of the Island this latest move on the part of our transportation company in reducing rates is another boost to the progress and prosperity in our section of the state.

 December 11, 1941

• Civilian Defense Depends Upon Your Cooperation – Follow The Instructions Given For Your Safety – In view of the fact that the “state of emergency” under which civilian defense work was instituted has now become a “state of war,” leaders were called to Seattle Tuesday.  They were given valuable suggestions on how to assist their communities to adapt themselves to these conditions which will now be “normal”.  Of the greatest importance were the blackout instructions, received from the King County sheriff’s department and the F.B.I.  These have been outlined for Island residents by Commissioner Paul Bllingsley as follows:  Instructions for Blackouts – 1. Everyone must realize AT ONCE that blackouts are ordered by the General Commanding, 2nd Interceptor Command, and that such U.S. Army orders have the force of FEDERAL LAW.  2. It is not within the discretion of Civilian Defense Commissioners to allow ANY EXCEPTIONS to the blackout orders.  3. During blackouts STAY AT HOME if possible.  Prepare home for safe and comfortable occupancy as follows:  (a) Establish completely screened “refuge room,” or better “apartment,” to include kitchen and bath.  (b) One quarter of air raid casualties are caused by flying glass, so cover windows with shutters on outside or heavy drapes on inside.  Be careful to MAKE THEM LIGHTPROOF!  (c) Make doors lightproof by overlapping drapes or screens.  (d) To allow for ventilation equip windows with baffles, to overlap portion of window to be opened.  Best window treatment consists of tarpaper screen mounted on laths, etc.  Check for light leaks from outside.  (e) Be particularly careful that no lights can be seen from ABOVE.  A flashlight pointed upward can be seen from a height of 10,000 feet.  (f) So cover flashlight lens with blue cellophane and keep it pointed downward.  Do not point at anything that will REFLECT light UPWARDS.  4. During blackout hours such important plants at Boeing’s are SHUT DOWN and BLACKED OUT.  It is obvious that no Vashon Island industry such as chickens or greenhouses can be permitted any greater leeway.  Unless TOTALLY SCREENED chicken house and greenhouse lights must be OUT.  5. During blackouts, STAY OFF OF HIGHWAYS.  One half of air raid casualties in England have been traffic casualties.  Cars which must unavoidably travel during blackouts must have PROPER LIGHTS and GO SLOW.  All lights must be dimmed with two thicknesses of blue cellophane, with hoods to prevent any leakage of light upward.  Headlights must be covered except for a blue cellophane slit three inches by one-half inch, horizontal, just below center line of lens.  Light from this slit should hit the road not over 25 feet from car.  6. If there is need for a quick automobile to a hospital, for example, notify Deputy Sheriff Shattuck, who will provide ambulance.  There is NO EXCUSE for individual use of uncovered headlights.  7. There should be no meetings after dark during our blackout periods.  Athletic contests, etc., should be held during daylight hours.  8. To prevent lights from brush fires, etc. there must be no burning of outside fires without permits.  Such permits may be obtained at the Vashon Hardware Company, Vashon, or at Robbins Grocery, Burton.  9. Routine blackout hours will be published in daily papers and announced over the radio, but emergency blackouts may be needed also.  On Vashon Island the signal for emergency blackouts will be given by church bells at Vashon, Burton, Cove, Dockton and other bells at Vashon Heights, Glen Acres and Tahlequah.  (Signal by blinking house lights, previously announced, is cancelled.)  10. Everyone on Vashon Island must understand that a prearranged pattern of lights at any point can tell an enemy bomber exactly where he is on the map, and so where he must go to hit Boeing’s or the Navy Yard.  THERE MUST BE NO LIGHTS on Vashon Island.  11. This is particularly important just before dawn.  Remember Pearl Harbor!  12. These instructions involve annoyance, expense and sacrifice of personal plans.  Americans of all origins will not hesitate to accept these conditions in war time.  Paul Billingsley, Local Emergency Commissioner; Harry C. Snider, Advisor; John E. Ober, Adjutant.

• Please Send Copy in Early – The News-Record is the surest method of communication for the entire Island, and is at the disposal of all agencies working for the best interests of community and nation.  Dependent upon electrical power we must avail ourselves of the time not included in black-outs, which may continue for some time.  We urge that copy for the paper be submitted as early as possible.  It will help if everything can be in by Monday night so that last minute announcements from civilian defense and other authorities can be taken care of more efficiently. 

• Special Civilian Defense Announcements – More women workers are needed, and should be training for emergencies that may arise.  For young mothers, willing to help, but with young children too small to leave, nursery facilities are being arranged.  Call Peggy Stone for particulars.

• Civilian defense workers need several more typewriters for use at headquarters.  These machines must be in usable condition.  Call headquarters at the King County Building at Center.

• This week Commissioner Billingsley appointed M.P. Bickle as consultant on curtain materials for blackout purposes.  Mr. Bickle has investigated various methods and materials, and will have further reports on the most efficient means of effecting a blackout without marking the appearance of the house.

• Basil Canfield First Man To Enlist – Basil, son of Mr. and Mrs. V.D. Canfield, was the first Island man to enlist after Monday’s declaration of war.  Although he was engaged in defense work, and could have produced many good and sufficient reasons for remaining a civilian Basil exercised none of these prerogatives.  His enlistment is in the Navy and he left Wednesday morning from Seattle for San Diego.  A member of the Class of ’39 Basil has a host of friends both among his former classmates and among older people, all of whom are justifiably proud of his sincere interest in getting into the service.

• Must Have Permits For Burning – Dr. A.E. Davis, fire marshal for King County, has authorized Paul Billingsley, Civilian Defense Commissioner, and Fire Captain Ferguson Beall, to issue a statement that all persons are forbidden to burn trash, slashings, or to have a bonfire of any form, without a permit.  Forms will be available the latter part of the week, when they may be obtained from the Vashon Hardware or Robbins Grocery.  Local officials have no desire to take on the extra work that all of this surveillance entails, but Vashon Island, with its radio stations, lighthouse, etc. is an important spot.  While there is no suspicion of overt behavior on the part of anyone it is urged that there be no actions that would lead to suspicion.  It is not hard to see why this is necessary, and how cooperation is a means of self-protection.  Business places, where trash must be burned frequently, must get permits also, but these are of a permanent nature than those issued for occasional fires.  Good citizens, interested in carrying out defense measures the American way, will cooperate.  Others not willing to cooperate must expect the full weight of suspicion.

• Sportsmen’s Banquet Indefinitely Postponed – George McCormick, president of the Vashon Island Sportsmen’s Club has announced that the annual banquet has been indefinitely postponed until present conditions have adjusted themselves, and community life has been restored to normal.

• School Reorganization Carries

• PUT OUT THOSE LIGHTS! – Civilian Defense authorities report that there are still those on our Island who persist in not observing the black-out hours.  These hours are established by military authority, and if the power that be say 12:30 until 8:00 there’s probably a very good reason.  Certainly it’s hard on poultrymen.  So is it hard on florists.  As a matter of fact it’s no picnic for any of us.  Neither, for that matter, would be a bomb from an enemy plane landing kerplunk! on us.  We regard the destruction of windows in Seattle Monday night as a piece of vandalism that was more than just regrettable, and something that deserves punishment.  But on the other hand we think that an American, by birth or adoption, who refuses to cooperate should at least be made a horrible example, and his name made public when he refuses cooperation, - at least if he can understand written and spoken English.

• Editorial – Dual Responsibility – Probably in no locality have people of the Japanese race enjoyed the confidence of their neighbors more completely than here on our Island.  In turn they have contributed generously; have supported various community projects; their children have been on an equal footing with the whites in our schools.  All of this makes events of the past week particularly deplorable, and it is with deep regret that suspicion of our neighbors becomes logical.  The Civilian Defense authorities have faced the unavoidable situation courageously.  It is the wish of all concerned that these matters of race and prejudice be handled by members of our own community.  Respecting the Japanese Nisei and their desire to be loyal to the United States they have given them the opportunity to handle their own people and problems so there may be no shadow of doubt.  They realize that the older Japanese may not understand the full import and the necessity to avoid a shadow of suspicion, and have placed upon the second generation the burden of explaining to their elders exactly what their conduct must be if they are to continue to enjoy present privileges.  In practically every community there is that irresponsible element, individuals with poor sense of balance, who stir up trouble and seek to inflame prejudice in times like this.  If the behaviour of the Island Japanese is such as to avoid appearances of evil certainly it is the responsibility of reputable whites to control the actions of this type of citizenry.  Therefore if the unpleasant suspicions and incidents that may so easily develop into serious situations in time like this are to be avoided it is the joint responsibility of representatives of two races that in normal times have contributed to the welfare of our community.  By our good behavior both whites and Japanese can prove their sincerity.

• Civilian Defense Of Greatest Importance – As this paper goes to press we have vague misgivings that much is lacking.  And that isn’t half.  It’s a wonder, with all of the excitement and confusion that as much has gotten in this edition as has.  For the time being civilian defense information can be circulated generally by means of the News-Record.  Radio facilities are not available for the special needs of our particular community.  Much of this information for the paper comes in late.  This is unavoidable.  It will be given preference in time and space.  But even so we have those nightly blackouts to beat.  We will all adjust ourselves in time.  Until then assist the News-Record, please, in serving the entire Island.  Be tolerant if your story is not in.  There’ll be another paper out next week.  And if there isn’t it likely isn’t going to make a vast difference.

• Fire Equipment For South End – It is reassuring to residents of the Island that there is now fire equipment for the South End, to be housed at Burton.  A volunteer fire department, auxiliary to the original civilian defense unit, is being trained.  This new equipment was secured through cooperation of the business men of Burton and the Volunteer Firemen’s Association.

• Mrs. Effie Smith Hears From Son – Although it was a bit early for the Yuletide season it wasn’t a bit too early for Mrs. Effie Smith, when she received a cable from her son, Adney, in Honolulu Tuesday morning, wishing her “Merry Christmas.”  The message which came before noon had been sent at 1:36 a.m.  Naturally Mrs. Smith had been terribly worried about her son and son-in-law, John Roble, but she was reassured by the cheery message from Adney, who characteristically added nothing to his greeting.  A radio report Tuesday morning confirming an earlier one that there had been no casualties among Northwestern men in the service allayed the fears of their many friends here concerning Bob Stoltz, Bennie Wilson, Paul Amundsen and Denton Jones.  The latter, although bound for an unannounced destination, was last heard from in Hawaii.

• First War Baby – Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kirkland are the parents of the first Island baby born after the war began.  An eight and a half pound daughter arrived Sunday afternoon at Maynard Hospital in Seattle.  She has been named Wendy.

 December 18, 1941

• Air Raid “Alert” Test Saturday Morning – Air Raid Signal Alarms: Alert: Continuous ringing of school and church bells.  Black out all lights and go to refuge room.  All Clear: Tolling of bells for short period. – This is to notify residents of the Island that on Saturday morning, December 20, at 10 o’clock the air raid warning system will be given a try-out.  School and church bells will be rung rapidly for two minutes, (the regular alarm) in order to see if they can be heard from all parts of the Island.  If you do not hear them in your community please call Women’s Headquarters and report the fact.  There is an Emergency Warden in every zone who has a phone and who will give you any information you may need.  In the few days we have had to place plans before the public there have been mistakes made, but we are trying to correct them as rapidly as possible.  In our survey of the Island we may have missed some families – perhaps no one was home when we called.  If your neighborhood has been canvassed and you feel sure you were overlooked, please call your warden and report to her.  Remember the war has only begun.  We will have to plan for a long siege and we do not dare relax our vigilance for a single day.  The next blackout will mean that a real attack is expected and if any lights are reported a heavy penalty will be imposed.  These are orders of the U.S. Army and not the whim of emergency wardens.  Ora M. Robinson, Chief Emergency Warden.

• First Aid Class – Sponsored by Mrs. Ray Garrison, with Dr. W.D. Ellis as their instructor girls of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades at the Vashon Grammar School are meeting each Wednesday for a 10-week course in First Aid.  To secure a certificate they must be present at each meeting, which is held from 3:15 until 3:45.

• Flower Shop Will Open Here Sunday – To accommodate Island people planning to give flowers or plants as gifts the Beall Greenhouse Company will open a shop next Sunday in the Petersen Feed Store, on the street floor.  There will be on sale a line of fine cut flowers, a variety of potted plants and novelty containers that proved so popular last year.  The shop will be open from Sunday until Christmas.  Wise folks will shop early to avoid the disappointments tardy shoppers suffered last year.

• Letters From Men In Service Indicate High Morale – Within the passing days since the attack on Pearl Harbor took place, America has had an opportunity to take stock of itself.  With the first shock past all of us are tightening up our belts and facing the inevitable.  That civilians can be less than courageous, with the kind of men we have in the service on land and sea, is unthinkable.  We have chosen three letters, from several that have come to the editorial desk, as, we believe, characteristic of the spirit and morale of our service men, who have already given such an excellent accounting.  Written just a few days before the declaration of war Peter Mertens writes from Camp Roberts, California.  He says in part:  “No doubt you might be interested a little in the life of a new soldier.  May I say truthfully it is entirely what one makes of it.  It can be a living hell if one allows it to be.  On the other hand it is a job to be done, and the better it is done, the better off the individual is.  To be a good soldier there is only one attitude to have and that is to take the bitter with the sweet with a smile.  One hears a lot about morale amongst the soldiers.  There’s nothing wrong with the morale of the soldier!  Where the morale is low is at home.  If the doting parents would refrain from writing molly coddling letters and feeling so sorry for their son it would help matters a great deal.  Christmas to our battalion will be one day off – a blow to those of us who hoped we might have enough time to get home but such it is and that is the way we take it.”  And that from a young man, who according to the accepted standards had about all one individual could want in the way of material blessings, a wide circle of sincere admirers, a host of friends, and an established position made secure by a charming personality and one of the sunniest smiles that could be imagined. *** Most of us can plead guilty to having questioned the patriotism of youth today.  But in these times of stress there’s a new type of patriotism coming into being, and the beautiful think about it is that youngsters, whom we used to look upon as entirely lacking in sentiment are not ashamed to admit that Flag and Country mean something more than a year ago.  Here is what our own Milton Walls says in a letter to his family:  “The army has ways of putting things over to the soldier boy that makes him want to do or die for old Uncle Sam.  When you march in a parade with three or four hundred men; and the beat of marching feet makes the very earth shake; then at the command of one man everything becomes silent.  The band begins to play the “Star-Spangled Banner.”  Every man salutes in unison and Old Glory slowly comes down, outlined against the setting sun.  It sort of does something to you.  You may think I’m crazy and there was a time I would have laughed at it, too.  But that’s the way it is.”  At the time of writing this Milton was at Jefferson Barracks, in Missouri, with the Mississippi River rolling past.  Now he has been sent to a special school at Fort Lowry in Denver.  ***  Thursday evening there came an air mail letter from Jim Butler, written from the Graves Light Station, Nahant, Mass.  To date this is the first we have received from any of our boys since war was declared.  Along with season’s greetings to the editor and his friends on Vashon Island Jim expressed sentiments that would put to shame weakness on the part of any of us.  “It was late last night before we received word of the attack on the Pacific Islands, and my first thought was of the safety of the men from the Island stationed there.  Let us hope that they are safe and unhurt.  The New England people were calm when the news came and have launched a system to send all equipment and men to the West that can be spared, and yet keep a watchful eye on the Atlantic.  I shall request a transfer to a station or ship on the West Coast within a few days and hope I may have a chance to help repay to hostile forces what they did to my shipmates.  Although the personnel of the Coast Guard is small and their ships and boats numbered the men stand behind their motto, “Semper paratus,” (always ready) for any assignment they may receive.  It is said in the Coast Guard, “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.”  At this time who cares about coming back until the job is done.  And if we don’t finish that job I hope I don’t come back.”  ***  And so we have a cross section of what men in the service are thinking and feeling about this war we have on our hands.

• Dock Damaged By Ferry S.S Shasta – The Vashon Heights dock was put out of commission as far as vehicles were concerned when the ferry Shasta crashed into the slip on one of her late Sunday afternoon trips.  The accident was due to failure of the engines to go into reverse, and the momentum of the vessel carried her into the slip and against the huge concrete piers, one of which was badly broken and twisted. The slip was rammed so violently that planks and railings on the dock buckled and broke.  Fortunately there were only a few cars aboard, and although the impact moved them considerable distance the chain across the bow was strong enough to keep them from going overboard.  Passengers and those waiting on the dock for the ferry were severely shaken, and several were thrown off their feet, but none suffered injury other than fright.  The Shasta was immediately sent to dry dock for repairs and the Kehloken has been handling all Island foot passengers.  Bus passengers were transferred on the dock and picked up by another bus kept at the Fauntleroy dock.  With heavier traffic than usual discomfort and inconvenience have resulted.  But there has been a minimum of complaints, as passengers realize it is “just one of those things.”  Navy yard workers from the Island have been taken care of in conjunction with the Manchester-Seattle line.  This is the sixth incident in as many months resulting in damage to docks used by Black Ball ferries.  However the damage to the Heights dock is being repaired in record time.  Unless some unforeseen difficulty arises to delay work autos can be taken from the Island today (Thursday).  Trucks must travel for several days more by way of Tacoma.

• More Volunteers Needed In Civilian Defense Work – During the past week all units made good progress toward the goal here indicated.  Air Raid observers and Auxiliary Police guards are working now on balanced schedules which call for two or at most three 3-hour shifts of duty per week.  But even this routine can be lightened, and the long pull ahead made easier for all of by additional recruiting the personnel of these two units is increased.  The Headquarters of L.D.A. No. 10 is therefore calling for volunteers for observation post, motor corps and guard duty.  Men wishing assignment to observation posts should report to George McCormick, Vashon; and men wishing to serve with the Auxiliary Police should report to John Metzenberg.  Volunteers for the Police must be adults experienced in the use of firearms.  Women volunteering as observers or motor corps drivers should report to Mrs. Shattuck, Lisabeula, Mrs. Chas. Lowrey, Burton, or Mrs. W.D. Robinson, Burton.  There are places for additional workers also in the other units.  Information on these can be obtained at the Women’s Headquarters, County Bldg., Center, Black 1281.  This call does not mean that the people of Vashon Island have been laggards in enlisting for Civilian Defense.  Nearly 700 have thus far enrolled.  It merely calls attention to the constant stream of man and woman power needed to properly carry on the duties assigned to L.D.A. No. 10 by the 2nd Interceptor Command.  Many hands make light work, and light routine will keep us fresh for emergencies and for the final victory, however far ahead that may be.  Paul Billingsley Commissioner, Local Defense Area No. 10.

• More Women Needed In Civilian Defense – Although many Island women are engaged in civilian defense work there are still more needed badly.  Observation posts must be manned 24 hours each day.  At the present the signal corps lacks the necessary personnel, and members must be called upon to take several shifts a week.  Older women can help by relaying messages.  When a plane is sighted by the observer and the required data is being assembled one person is required to call central and phone the message into Seattle.  Women in this branch of the signal corps work in three-hour shifts.  The shelter in which they work is warm and weather-proof, the duties simple and pleasant.  No special training other than ability to use the telephone, and a normal amount of native intelligence is required.  You are picked up and returned to your home by a member of the motor corps.  Those willing to enlist in this work are asked to call Mrs. Shirley Coutts.  There is also need of more drivers with cars to enlist in motor corps work.  This is not a full time job but essential in keeping the signal corps work to high efficiency.

• Civilian Defense Hits Its Stride – In great world wars such as this which has spread to our shores, victory depends at last upon staying power.  With this in mind, Headquarters of L.D.A. No. 10 issued, a few hours after Japanese assault, General Orders No. 4, as follows:  1. By act of the Japanese Empire the “State of Emergency” under which this organization has heretofore been acting has now become a state of war.  2. It was for this crisis that Civilian Defense has been set up; wartime is normal for this organization.  3. This means that each unit must develop a routine “alert” status which will be tolerable for the personnel over a long period; in fact, for the duration.  4. This can be accomplished if each unit subdivides the work and the shifts of duty among its entire personnel; keeping the minimum necessary number on a shift or under call and releasing the remainder until their shift comes due.  5. In contrast, training and preparation of equipment and supplies must be pushed to the limit.  6. All units will bear in mind that we are now playing for keeps and that sacrifices of time, comfort and safety may be needed for the full performance of our duties.  Paul Billingsley, Commissioner; Harry C. Snider, Advisor; John E. Ober, Adjutant.

• V.F.W. Contributes To Fund – At their most recent meeting members of the V.F.W. contributed ten dollars to the fund for gifts for our Island boys in the service.  Both ex-service groups felt that anything that could be done for boys in the service was of more value than their annual Christmas party for the children.

• Temporary Directors Chosen – District boundary lines and temporary directors for the reorganized Vashon-Maury school district were decided upon at a meeting held Tuesday evening at the high school.  The new board will be composed of Hubert Spalding, Albin Sundberg, Earl Watson, Russell Brammer an Ben Williams, who will serve until the regular election in March.

• The obituary of W. M. Everett was published.

 December 25, 1941

• Gifts For Our Service Men – Since it is this near Christmas the complete story of the fund for gifts for Island service men can be told, without spoiling anyone’s gift.  A total of $49.77 was donated, $20 of which came from the V.F.W. and American Legion.  The balance came from many other sources, gifts from many Island folks.  The gifts were purchased and sent by a committee composed of Mrs. Kathran Hansen, Mrs. Eva Metzenberg, Mrs. Opal Cronander, Mrs. Shirley Coutts and Mrs. Agnes L. Smock.  In each package was a generous packet of writing paper, a genuine Eversharp pencil “with the deep clip” a handkerchief and several candy bars and gum.  Attached to each package was a Christmas card with a rather lengthy message, telling the boys how proud Vashon-Maury Island was of the sacrifice of time and service they were making.  The candy and gum was donated by Burton merchants, Rodda’s and the Vashon Pharmacy.  While conditions which were not anticipated when this project was planned may interfere with prompt delivery, the gifts were mailed in plenty of time to reach the men by Christmas, and to let them know that we were all thinking of them.  Since the list of names was published early in the month an order has been issued by the War Department which prevents any change of address being published.  The News-Record will, however, attempt to keep in touch with the 29 now on its mailing list, and that list will be available to friends desiring to keep in contact with these boys.

• School Is Converted Into Casualty Station – Amazing progress is being made under the direction of Mrs. G.A. Welding in converting the schoolhouse at Lisabeula into a Red Cross casualty station.  Preparations are practically complete for an 8-bed ward, and there is space for 40 in case of emergency.  Available is a staff of three doctors, seven graduate nurses and 70 assistant nurses, all of whom will have completed a first aid course by the first of the year.  Mrs. Welding will require further assistance in securing all that will be needed before the station is completely equipped.  Much has been donated, but more will be required, such as blankets and warm coverings.  These need not be new, as they will require frequent laundering and will be returned when the emergency is past.  Sheets, twin bed size, pillow slips and small Turkish towels are needed.  Mrs. Welding requests that all having furniture, coverings or linens check on what they can give and notify her as soon as possible so that the 8-bed ward may be completed speedily.  Her telephone is Black 1091.  The women of Dockton are making sheets and pillow slips from a bolt of sheeting they have donated.  Members of the Columbia P.T.A. have been generous in their contributions as have others.  To Mrs. Herman Oman of Cove goes the distinction of having donated the first named bed.  It is complete in all details, even to pillows and linen.  In all four complete beds are ready and it is anticipated that in the very near future others will be available to replace the four cots which are now set up.  The Lisabeula school is ideal for use as an emergency hospital.  The building is in good condition, well heated and lighted.  There is a completely equipped room ready for use as a diet kitchen.  Although running water is lacking in the building at present M.H. Morrissey has signed over water rights to a spring close by and plans are being made to utilize it in the near future.  A well near the building would provide an additional supply of water.  There is also adequate parking space, making the building easily accessible to ambulances and cars.  This casualty station is primarily designed for care of less serious cases.  King County Red Cross has facilities for taking care of cases requiring surgery, although there are mobile surgeries that can be used in rural areas such as ours.

• Air Raid and Blackout Orders Received – The following communication was received Saturday by Captain Harry Snider, a staff member of the Civilian Defense L.D.A. No. 10, who requests they be carefully studied by motorists of Vashon-Maury Island.  By direction of the Washington State Defense Council and confirmed by the Second Interceptor Command, the following regulations will be observed during air raids and blackouts.  Order placing either Plan A or B in effect will be relayed to police agencies through the communications system of the Washington State Patrol.  Plan A – Air Raid – During an air raid all vehicles shall stop clear of the travelled portion of the street or highway and shall remain stopped until the “all clear” signal is given.  This rule shall apply in all cases except essential emergency vehicles such as: military equipment, police and fire equipment, or ambulance.  Plan B – General Blackout – If the blackout extends over a period of several hours only emergency traffic essential to National Defense will be allowed to move on the streets and highways such as: defense materials, supplies, foodstuffs, mail, intercity busses, and defense workers.  These vehicles shall be equipped with the recommended lights for blackouts.  Emergency traffic shall be kept to a minimum.  Vehicles shall keep well spaced on the streets and highways.  Vehicles shall be operated at a speed that is reasonable and proper and consistent with the conditions that exist at the point of operation.  General Instructions – Blackout Headlight Regulations – 1. Headlights, tail lights, and stop lights shall be covered by a dark oil cloth or rubber mask or hood securely attached.  A horizontal slit ½ inch by 3 inches in the lower portion of headlight lenses covered with blue cellophane will be used.  2. During blackout clearance lights will not be used.  3. Light regulations effective only during blackouts or air raids and under all other conditions the legal lights required by law shall be used.  Under no circumstances will blue or colored lights be used under normal driving conditions.  4. Police and fire equipment and ambulances may use legal lights during a blackout for Emergency Runs Only.  Under all other conditions they will proceed with minimum amount of light.  5. Emergency vehicles will not use sirens in any manner to conflict with air raid warning signals.

• Betty Ann Ownership Changes – Ownership of the Betty Ann was announced last week, when Mary Ann Agren, one of the owners, sold her interest in the attractive eating place, to Mrs. Naomi Ely, sister of the other owner, Betty Tjomsland.

• Son Saved In Monta Bella Sinking – Vashon Island, like so many other communities in these trying times, has a family made happy by news that a member was saved from death, the best Christmas present they will receive.  Nor will John Young, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Young of Burton, ever believe that 13 is an unlucky number as far as he is concerned.  Tuesday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Young received an airmail letter from their son informing them that he was sailing as second mate aboard the ill-fated Monta Bella, destroyed this week by enemy submarine.  He told them of fears entertained by himself and the radio operator because the captain refused to observe blackout orders.  Within a short time after the letter arrived there was a long distance call from san Luis Obispo, where the 13 survivors had been taken by naval vessels.  It was the son calling to inform his parents and sister, Mrs. Mae Y. Judson, that he was alive and well after his terrible experience of which he was allowed to give no details.  He did, however, give them the information that the tanker was sunk only about 15 miles off the California coast.

• Appointed Red Cross Head on Island – C.G. Kimmel has been appointed Red Cross chairman for Vashon and Maury in the drive for emergency funds.  He will take contributions and memberships.  Assisting Mr. Kimmel in this service are Theo Berry on Maury and Coy Meredith at Burton.

 

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