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1942 Vashon Island News-Record Summary (Mike Sudduth)

January 1942
January 1, 1942

• Editorial – We’re In The Army Now! – Never before should civilians say with such a degree of truth, “We’re in the army now” as today.  Regardless of age or physical condition there is a job for each and every one, as vital to the safety of America, democracy and civilization as though we were actually enlisted in the army.  Indications are that it is going to take an air raid or costly invasion to make many of us realize that our obligation is great and definitely personal.  True, civilian defense is functioning effectively and efficiently here on our Island.  But only a small percentage of our population is doing the work.  We hear of individuals going on duty at observation posts three and four shifts a week; of drivers with limited incomes spending more for gasoline than they are for food; of men on defense jobs standing watch from midnight until three, then getting up to take the first ferry; of men and women forgetting when their hours on duty are and inconveniencing others.  All of these indicate lack of balance.  Military authorities say that a volunteer army is never as effective as one that is drafted.  The time will come no doubt when we of the civilian army so vital today to the safety of our homes and families will be drafted for duty, with penalties for non-performance.  That day can be postponed by cooperation and prompt performance of any duty for which we may volunteer.  If you have promised to report at a certain hour on a certain day check and double check that there may be no error.  Injured feelings and sensitive personalities are out of place when there is a war to be won against a foe as merciless as those we face today.  And to be a slacker, letting others do the work is as unpatriotic as those who dodge military duty.  God grant that it will not take a bomb from an enemy plane to make the people of Vashon-Maury Island, and every like community of the Pacific Northwest realize that our naval and military forces will be handicapped or possibly rendered helpless if we, privileged to remain in our homes, fail to render the few hours of service required of us each week willingly, promptly, honestly and efficiently.

• Two Soldiers Report Packages Received – Of the Island boys in army and navy service two have reported having received gift packages from Island folks.  Joe Milligan and Tommy Nederman displayed no reservation in expressing their pleasure and delight with what they received.  It might be added that they don’t always obey orders, for the packages were marked, “Do not open until Dec. 25,” and home folks of one of the boys knew what was in the package before last week’s News-Record was on the press, and the information came from an army camp.  Draw your own conclusions!

• Commissioner Explains Need of Observation Posts – To understand the importance of our two Vashon Island Observation Posts we must know the nature of war in the air.  These posts are not “phoney”, but are a vital part of the air defense of the Puget Sound area.  General Wash, Commanding Officer of this air defense, has stated repeatedly that the observation post system makes each of his planes do the work of sixteen planes working without such aid.  The following description of war in the air will make it clear why this is so – “Fighter aircraft cannot always be waiting for the enemy in the air.  The numbers of aircraft and of pilots and the life of engines are all too limited for the method of maintaining a continuous patrol round the coasts.  The fighter squadrons in different stages of preparedness await the enemy’s raids upon the ground.  The stages of preparedness are MOST ADVANCED – Standby, pilots in cockpits; Readiness, pilots close to planes; Advance Available; Normal Available; Released, pilots free till given hour; Planes refueling.  LEAST ADVANCED – Planes under repair, etc.  The more actual fighting there is the greater is the proportion of aircraft likely to be undergoing repair.  After every sortie every aircraft needs refueling.  If we consider that the raiders travel at speeds of over 300 miles per hour, it is obvious that there is not much time to spare if fighters are to be ordered up in time to intercept them.”  This is where the observation post comes in.  From these posts, wherever he goes, however he endeavors to play hid and seek, “he is seen and he is heard” – and the information thus acquired is passed with all possible speed to operations rooms, in each of which is a controller responsible for a particular area.  “The glory of the British defeat of the German air offensive in the summer of 1940 is usually given to the fighter pilots, and they deserve it.  But fighter pilots are only the instruments of the controller, without whom all their matchless courage and skill would have been useless, since they would never have been at the right place at the right time.  The controller in operations room is playing a game more fantastic than chess.  Looking over his map table, he is provided with all possible relevant information.  There is the map, the clouds, the direction and strength of the wind at various heights, the anti-aircraft defenses, and the balloon barrages.  He is in touch with all his fighters by radio telephone, so that when he speaks they can hear him and obey.  At his word squadrons of fighters move above the checkered board at 350 miles an hour, and the pieces won and lost fall flaming onto woods and fields and towns and villages below.  The controller’s real difficulty is not to intercept any particular raid.  His difficulty is to diagnose the main raid of the day – for some raids are only feints to draw off his fighters – and to husband his resources so as not to be caught by a big raid when all his fighters are on the ground, refueling, or in the air with fuel and ammunition expended.  In practice exercises before the war an average of 30 percent of interceptions was thought satisfactory.  But in the summer of 1940 the percentage rose to 75, 90 and 100.  The high rate of interceptions was what saved Britain.  And this was due to the superlative skill of all ranks concerned – of the observers, filter board staff and highly placed controller officers no less than of pilots and mechanics.”  So speaks the author of “War in the Air, September 1939 – May 1941.”  The organization described by him has been set up by the Second Interceptor Command in the Pacific Northwest.  And at the base of the whole structure are the Observation Posts, such as those we maintain on Vashon and Maury Islands.

• Bells Mean Air Raid – Until further notice air raid alarms will be carried to the people of Vashon Island by prolonged ringing of the sixteen church and school bells under the direction of the Air Raid Wardens.  Bells will ring for ten minutes, with short interruptions every two minutes.  Anyone who hears bells should notify all his neighbors; word should be spread as fast as possible.  We know the bell system is not adequate, but nothing better has yet been found for rural areas.  Paul Billingsley, Commissioner, Local Defense Area No. 10.

• People Who Postpone Things – Appended to a notice for the News-Record was this notation, “Had to rewrite this just as it was ready to send.  Darn people who postpone things!”  And we say “Amen” to that lusty sentiment for there never was any breed of people as bad as editors for postponing things.

• The wedding announcement of Miss Meredith Marie Ellison to Joseph Ramquist was published.

• Worker Falls From Dock – Only the fact that he was rendered unconscious as he was knocked from the Cove dock into the icy waters of the Sound saved the life of Leonard Turner, county worker, Monday morning.  Turner, who was assisting in making repairs, fell as planking was being removed.  One of the planks, previously loosened, struck him as he fell, completely knocking him out.  As a result he did not struggle and consequently little water entered his lungs.  Turner floated on the surface until a rowboat could be brought from the other side of the dock.  Bert Fjeidal rendered first aid and Turner had regained consciousness by the time the ambulance and pulmotor arrived.  He is recovering from his chilly dip and will, it is believed, be able to return to work soon.

• Vashon Theatre Has Fine Program This Week-end – “Sunset in Wyoming,” which is the newest of Gene Autry’s musical westerns, is showing Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Vashon Theatre.  The net profits of this showing realized by the distributors are a joint contribution of the Vashon Theatre and the motion picture industry to War Emergency Welfare Work.

• Tahlequah Notes – Mr. and Mrs. Williams, new owners of the South End store, spent Christmas at their former home in Oakville.  Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. Fry, who have operated the store for the last nine years, are now operating a combination drug and variety store at Rochester.

• First Frost Of Season Recorded At Tahlequah – First frost of the season was recorded Christmas Day at Tahlequah.  Daffodils are already in bud at some Tahlequah homes, but the frost failed to damage them.  The frost continued until early in the week, and the ground in the upper sections of the beach remaining frozen throughout the day.

• Attention Parents – Child Safety – Bring your children of pre-school age to the Island Club Saturday, January 3.  Daughters Of American Revolution Child Registry Records Dept. – Identification Tags Issued.

January 8, 1942

• Island Boys In Service Acknowledge Gifts From Home – Heartwarming indeed have been the messages received from Island boys in the service, expressing appreciation for the gifts sent them at Christmas time from the many who made their contributions for this purpose.  The first acknowledgement to reach the office was from Jim Butler, an airmail letter from the Coast Guard station on the Atlantic Coast, where he has been stationed since last summer.  The following day a letter arrived from Joe Milligan, who is back in Utah, after special training in Illinois.  The letter from Ed Calhoun was written December 31.  He has been transferred from the fort in Missouri where he has been located since entering the service, and the Christmas package from the Island apparently followed him.  Mailed from one of the Island possessions December 26 a letter via Clipper reached the Island Monday night from Robert Stoltz.  From nearer home Earl Brammer wrote from Fort Lewis.  As he was being moved to a distant camp and had little time for letter writing Otto Jacobson commissioned his mother to write and express his pleasure at being remembered by the folks of his community.  Louis McPherson, home on leave from duties aboard the lightship, “Swiftshore” called the latter part of the week to say how pleased he was with the gift that came from Island friends.  He said he felt sure every boy in the service was as thrilled as he to realize they were not forgotten by the folks at home, and to know that their service to Flag and Country did not pass unrecognized.

• Island To Have Bus Service To Tacoma – With terminals at Dockton and Burton regular bus service into Tacoma will be instituted by the Vashon Island Transit Company beginning January 15.  There will be three round trips daily.  There will be two Sunday trips from Burton, but none from Dockton.  This new service will provide the south end of the Island with the same excellent facilities the north end has enjoyed for many years, and which has been a real factor in building up a population of those who work in the city.  At the south end at present are a number working in Tacoma who are entirely dependent on their own cars for transportation to the dock, and who welcome this new facility.  Such a schedule will undoubtedly attract more new people to the south end of the Island, new sparsely settled along the highway where there are many attractive building spots with unrivalled view.

• Red Cross Notes – With the importance of Red Cross work increasing almost hourly this paper will have as a feature the meeting places of various neighborhood groups.  We solicit your cooperation in keeping this up to date.  Please phone the time and place of all Red Cross meetings on the Island.

• Tom Bacchus Selected For Special Training – Word comes from the Navy Department this week that Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Bacchus, has successfully completed preliminary flight training at the Navy’s “University of the Air” at Corpus Christi, Texas and has been selected to finish training in an advanced squadron of scout-observation seaplanes.  Tom, who graduated from Vashon Island High School with the Class of ’38, was one of the school’s outstanding athletes, and a star member of the basketball team.  The final stage of a cadet’s career at the Navy’s Corpus Christi “University of the Air” is advanced squadron training where the Navy decides what type of plane the cadet is best suited to fly and spends the rest of its efforts in making him a specialist in one of three fields, patrol planes, scout and observation seaplanes, or carrier-based fighters and dive bombers.  The decision is based as far as practicable upon the cadet’s choice.

• Spare Them Unnecessary Questions – There are a number of Island parents with sons in the war zone.  Common sense tells us that with the present ban on all but official messages and disruption of mail service that there is no possibility of those boys communicating with home folks.  When word comes from them it will likely be circulated rapidly, as reports have a habit of doing on our Island.  Until then let’s spare the mothers and fathers the torture of unnecessary questions.  They know in other ways that we are sympathetic without asking if they have heard from their son.

• Japanese Organize For Thrift And Conservation – To demonstrate their willingness and to have a definite part in America’s war program Japanese young people organized Sunday laying the foundation for a definite plan that will bear concrete results.  Officers elected were Dan Sakahara, president; Frank Matsumoto, first vice-president; Mrs. Yukichi Nishiyori, secretary; Daigo Tagami, treasurer; Ken Yorioka, auditor.  Committees will be chosen to conduct a drive for purchase of defense stamps, and dues will be used to buy defense bonds.  A conservation program will include salvage of waste materials, sorting them and keeping them in good condition until they are needed.  An important part of their program includes giving necessary instructions Japanese unable to understand or read English.

• Fergie Beall Leaves for Training – Ferguson Beall left Thursday morning for Bakersfield, California, where he will begin preliminary training as an Aviation Cadet.  With considerable experience flying as a passenger to Central and South America Fergie is happy to have been accepted for training as a pilot.  His younger brother, John, will take over Fergie’s work as head of the Island’s Volunteer Fire Department.

• Junior D.A.R. Members Register Children – Members of the newly organized junior group of Elizabeth Bixby Chapter D.A.R. were in charge of registration of pre-school children last Saturday.  Parents of 67 children ranging in ages from a few months to five years, were given metal tags, which would identify the wearer in case of separation due to war emergencies.  The junior members were smartly garbed in attractive uniforms of military blue wool, with white collars, the gift of Mrs. Billingsley.

• KIRO To Be Posted – The public will be warned by signs to be posted next Monday, that for the duration of the war no visitors are to be admitted at KIRO, or is there to be any trespassing.  The owners of the station regret this necessity, but it is just another of those things we will have to adjust ourselves to.  They trust that extreme methods will not be necessary.

• The report on condition of Vashon State Bank at the close of business on December 31, 1941 showed total assets of $301,272.08.

January 15, 1941

• No Weather Reports Permitted Now – O.E. Ramquist, U.S. Weather observer, believes the following will explain why he has been unable to answer inquiries as to weather conditions.  It was contained in a recent communication from Lawrence C. Fisher, observer for this section.  “Further restrictions have been issued by proper authorities on release of weather information for publication:  1. No current weather information should be released for publication to newspapers, press agencies, or to broadcasting stations.  2. Weather data may be released for publication after it is one week old.  3. Cooperative observers will please continue to furnish this office copies of records as soon after the close of each month as practicable and those mailing weekly reports please continue to mail same promptly at close of week.  4. Cooperative observers may furnish current data to government agencies and others as outlined in paragraph No. 5 of letter of December 31, 1941, but observers should state that such data is confidential and not for publication except when seven days old.”  Lawrence C. Fisher, Section Director.

• Community Garden Planned; Japanese Volunteer Labor – An extensive project is being planned for Vashon Island in response to a plea from Washington D.C. that more attention be given this year to home and community gardens.  Garner Kimmel, head of the supplies committee for civilian defense, assisted by Masa Mukai, have comprehensive plans for the operation of the tract cultivated last year by WPA labor.  It will be recalled that vegetables for school lunches were grown and canned by WPA help.  This year it is planned to raise an even greater amount of produce, which will be taken care of in the Kent cannery.  Island Japanese have volunteered all the help that will be required for cultivation of this tract.  With labor ready and willing to make a success of this project; with the land donated by Elmer Harmeling; with a definite need for the food that will be produced it is not at all likely that fertilizer or seeds will be lacking as the season advances.

• Commissioner Offers Little Hope for New Roads – In spite of chilly weather a goodly number attended Monday evening’s meeting of the Commercial Club and enjoyed an excellent dinner served by members of the Presbyterian Auxiliary.  President H.C. Cronander introduced the two guests of honor, Senator M.T. Neal and Commissioner Archie Phelps.  The latter outlined in no uncertain terms the road situation in the entire South District, and while he did not give the road committee and other Island residents a great deal of hope for in the way of new construction Mr. Phelps impressed all who heard him that he is honestly trying and accomplishing a business-like and honest administration of affairs for his district.

• Another Christmas Package Acknowledged – Word has been received from several more of our boys in the service.  A letter, postmarked in a Florida city arrived from Jim Church, who is serving in the Navy.  He received his mail irregularly, but enjoys the news of the Island friends contained in the News-Records that have accumulated.  Strict censorship makes it impossible for him to write details of his movements to the folks at home, but a letter received by Mrs. Church last week indicated that his Christmas gifts had not yet caught up with her son.  Mrs. Ruth Riefschneider last week heard from her son, Ben Wilson, his first letter since war was declared.  He gave a few interesting first-hand details of incidents he actually witnessed when Pearl Harbor was bombed.  He too stated that strict censorship and field duties made it difficult to write.  A letter was also received, dated January 6, from Em Miyoshi, where he wrote “I am in quite a lonely place near Death Valley, but always my thoughts are with you, friends of Vashon.”  Belated Christmas cards came also from Francis Miller and Jim Penny.  Apparently the latter is still aboard the Lexington.

• Civilian Defense Offers Training Course – Paul Billingsley, commissioner for Civilian Defense for Vashon-Maury Island, announces that adequate training of Civilian Defense personnel and other key groups will be given by means of four courses: Red Cross First Aid, Civilian Defense First Aid, Incendiary Bomb Control and Gas Defense.

• The wedding announcement of Miss Eleanor Larsen to Mr. Charles Kimball was published.

January 22, 1942

• Appeal for Recreation Equipment For Service Men – Furnishings for day rooms, musical instruments, games of any sort, are being sought for use in recreation centers for service men of this area.  No government funds are available for purchase of this equipment for the many centers of this type necessary for men on special duty.  As a beginning for Vashon-Maury’s part in this cause the South End Improvement Club is giving a piano from their club house.  If further information is desired call R.K. Beymer Jr. or the News-Record.

• Tom Anderson Killed By Automobile – Tom Anderson, 65, will killed instantly Saturday afternoon when struck by a car driven by James Hamilton on the highway between Vashon and the Heights.  It appears that Anderson, a bachelor, was on his way to Vashon to make his purchases of supplies for the week.  As had been his practice for a long time he was to take the bus coming from Seattle and was crossing the highway to wait for it on the proper side.  Due to poor eyesight he did not see the approaching car until it was almost upon him, and instead of continuing on across the road started back just as the driver swerved to avoid hitting him.  The impact of the man’s body coupled with the driver’s attempt to turn out caused the car to go down an embankment.  Hamilton escaped injury.

• To Make Listing of Women for Jobs and Jobs for Women – Mrs. Joe Rand has been appointed by Paul Billingsley, Commissioner of Local Defense Area No. 10, to make a survey of women and jobs available on Vashon-Maury Island.  This is in the nature of an emergency employment listing for women.  There is no doubt but that as the war progresses a labor shortage will be felt even on the Island, due to the draft and the need of workers in national defense.  To be ready for this Mrs. Rand is preparing a list of women who would like to work and their qualifications for a job when the opportunity arrives.

• Former Dockton Boy Writes From Islands – A letter arrived Saturday, dated December 5, from Vernon Greer, a former Dockton boy now serving his second enlistment in the Navy.

• George Smith Receives Appointment to West Point

• Cove Association Will Meet – A special meeting of the members of the Cove Community Hall Association will be held at the home of Mrs. Nellie Doyle Friday evening, January 23, at 8 o’clock.  An offer for purchase of the hall has been made and it is necessary to decide on its disposition.  All members are urged to attend.  The Cove Community Hall has stood as a landmark for many years, and was a scene of many happy neighborhood gatherings.  In recent years it has not been used and rather than have it deteriorate further the officers are calling this meeting to ascertain the opinion of the membership in disposal of the hall.

• Receive Word From Son – It was only a form postal, and bore only the words, “I am well” and his signature, but Mr. and Mrs. H.B Jones never received more welcome news than when the card arrived from their son, Denton, last week.  They have no idea where he went at Thanksgiving time, for he gave them only a code address then, but the assumption was that it was to some new bombing base in the Pacific.  Shortly before war was declared he sent a letter which was postmarked Hawaii, and since then there has been no word until last Friday.  While the popular song doesn’t say so the Jones family are sure that the “three little words” that brought them the most happiness in a long time were Denton’s “I am well.”

January 29, 1942

• Demonstration of Bombs at American Legion Meeting – At the regular January meeting of Island Post, American Legion, two state officers and one district commander were present for the meeting and Civilian Defense Commander Paul Billingsley’s demonstration of incendiary and raid warning bombs.

• Learn These Signals for Air Raid Alarms – On and after February 1st, Vashon Island air raid alarms will be sounded at eight stations and will be in four stages.  The eight stations are at Vashon Heights, Colvos, Vashon, Ellisport, Lisabeula, Burton Peninsula, Maury Center, and Tahlequah.  First Stage – Rocket bomb; Second state – Red Parachute; Third stage – Closely following the flare, Air Raid Wardens in 28 sectors will drive slowly over the highway, sounding whistles or high-pitched horns; Fourth stage – Messengers will be sent to such isolated settlements and home as cannot be reached by bomb, flare signals or whistles.

• The passing of three elderly citizens, U. Nishiyori, Rev. F.A. Heath and John Stewart, was published.

• “Rosario” Takes Over On South End Run – She may not be as swift as some, but she’s a neat little craft, say the commuters at Tahlequah.  They refer, of course, to the M.S. “Rosario” now pinch-hitting for the “Crosline” while the latter is undergoing her annual visit to drydocks.  The “Rosario” with a capacity of 32 cars, is beautifully finished in teakwood, and streamlined in modern fashion.  During the summer season she is used as a relief boat up-Sound.

• The wedding announcement of Miss Bette Jean Quinlan to Warren John Penny was published.

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February 1942
February 5, 1942

• High School Honor Roll – Senior Boys - Kenneth Garrison, Robert Dunlap, Mag Kunugi, Jim Matsumoto, Daigo Togami.  Senior Girls - Edith Larsen, Ellen Albee, Rachel Blekkink, Shigeko Yoshida, Berna Wick.  Junior Boys -  Rolf Andersen, Bernard Habbestad, George Mason, Vern Smith, Roy Sundberg, Kenneth Wold.  Junior Girls – Christine Beritich, Ellen Dana, Thelma Danielson, Marilyn Hake, Mary Matsuda, Mary Jane Smith.  Sophomore Boys – Vernon Johnson, Erling Nordeng, Drick Ober.  Sophomore Girls – Bernice Beritich, Margaret Beritich, Zelma Blekkink, Marie Sovold, Jeanne Underwood, Wilmetha Wyman.  Freshman Boys – Gilbert Bostain, Clinton Harrington, William Little, Edward Poultney, John Van House.  Freshman Girls – Margery Robinson, Marcelyn Stevenson, Avril Thurston, Ardis Wilson, Kiyoko Yoshida.

• Vashon-Maury Island Gets Vote on Fire District – The long-awaited, worked-for, and hoped-for Vashon Island fire district is at last in sight.  It became possible when a meeting of the King County Commissioners, acting on the petitions requesting the district which were circulated on the Island some weeks ago, voted in favor of the district at their meeting at the County-City Building in Seattle Monday morning, February 2.  The commissioners set the date for a vote on the proposed district by Vashon-Maury residents for March 24.  The meeting was attended by George McCormick, C.F. Van Olinda, Harry Robbins, John Beall, and P.P. Tyler, who were prepared to battle to put the district across had it been necessary.  As it turned out, however, no opposition appeared and the Commissioners passed out their approval without a word from any of the Island representatives.

• Vashon Island High School May Close Early – Vashon High School may close early this year in keeping with other schools in some sections of the state, providing there is sufficient sentiment for it.  This was the statement of Lloyd McElvain when asked if any plans for such a closing had been made.  The suggestion of an early closing of the schools has come from agricultural sections.  Due to the labor shortage on the farms it has been feared that the governments’s increased crop production will fall short unless some such help as the early closing of the schools would provide is forthcoming.

• The wedding announcement of Miss Georgia Alice Ensing to Mr. Lawrence Wright Robinson was published.

• Schools To Adopt Daylight Saving Time – Beginning Monday, February 9, Vashon Island Public Schools will operate on daylight saving time, the buses arriving one hour earlier than at present.  All buses and ferries and other forms of transportation will be moving their clocks ahead, so the commuter will not have to worry about adjusting his schedule.

• Changes Take Place on News-Record Staff by A.L.S. – With this issue of the News-Record Don Bowman makes his bow as a member of the News-Record staff.  He is taking over practically all of the outside work in the capacity of associate editor, giving the editor, Mrs. Smock, the opportunity to be in the office.  He will likewise share with her other editorial duties.  C.L. Nosh Jr. will be in charge of the mechanical work of getting out the News-Record, and turning out first-class printing, a job for which he is well qualified.  As for Mrs. Smock, - she will continue with some of the writing, and also help in the back shop, dodging all of the responsibility possible and shifting whatever catches up with her to younger shoulders.  Countless stories have been written about printer’s devils who became editors, but only on Vashon Island, where unique happenings habitually occur could an editor choose to become a printer’s devil.  Be that as it may, through the joint effort of the three of us, we hope to enlarge the scope and service of the News-Record to the entire Island.

• Military Inspection for O.Ps. – Vashon-Maury had its first military inspection Monday afternoon.  Lieutenant Ford of the Second Interceptor Command came to the Island, visited the observation posts, looked over the telephone exchange and talked to Captain Garner of the communications unit, went round to the first aid casualty station, the old Lisabeula school house, saw a class in first aid going through its paces in one half of the building while in the other half Lieutenant Weeding, head of the nursing corps, had a crew busy painting and varnishing the hospital equipment, then stayed over till evening to address the Burton Improvement Club in a detailed explanation of the air raid warning system.  And after making the rounds Lt. Ford’s official comment was: “The best Civilian Defense organization I have seen.”  When urged, for the benefit of Commissioner Billingsley’s morale, to bear down and pick a few healthy flaws, Lt. Ford struggled weakly for a few moments, then came forth with a few ideas for getting a few new ideas.  In other words, the Interceptor Command officer was obviously pleased with what he saw.

• The obituaries of Rev. Frank Arthur Heath, John Boyd Stewart and U. Nishiyori were published.

February 12, 1942

• Vashon-Maury Island To Have Treasure Hunt; For Scrap Iron – Have you any scrap iron in your home?  No Timothy, scrap iron is not the flat iron your wife throws then her disposition gets a little threadbare.  And it isn’t iron rations for Bowser.  Scrap iron, according to the definition of a steel mill, is anything made of any kind of iron more than three-sixteenths of an inch thick, that you aren’t using any more.  Civilian Defense will come to your house or farm and collect it, pile it high in a vacant lot near Vashon, then wheel it on into the steel mill in Seattle and get a check for it.  Money is thus provided for necessary Civilian Defense expenses on the Island.  It’s a treasure hunt, if you know what I mean.

• “Commander-in-Command” Writes to Local Merchant Garner Kimmel – Garner Kimmel is the proud possessor of a letter this week from the Thomas J. Lipton Company.  Enclosed is another from the commander of H.M.S. Orion, which he passes along as of interest to many of his customers.  A short time back Garner held a Victory “V” sale as result of which a considerable poundage of tea was donated to be sent to the Queen of England for distribution amongst her subjects.  As it turned out, however, according to the letter of the Lipton company, shipping conditions were such that space could not be obtained to ship the tea and regulations in force in England prevented the Queen from accepting any direct shipments made to her.  The company tried in many ways to get the tea across to England but for a long time was unsuccessful.  Finally, the commander of H.M.S. Orion agreed to take it to the Queen on his warship.  The commander, whose name shall remain a deep secret for the simple reason that his signature on the letter is indecipherable, but who is referred to as “Commander-in-Command” expresses his appreciation and the appreciation of all those who will benefit from the tea.  This is probably the first time Garner ever made delivery through a warship.

• G-Men Raid Island Aliens – The Island got a good look at G-men, individually and collectively, last Saturday.  They came over in response to rumors that dangerous amount of firearms, ammunition, powder, etc. was still in possession of Japanese residents of Vashon-Maury.  After a search that began early in the morning and lasted well into the afternoon a negligible amount of contraband was uncovered, including one gun, three cameras, a radio, and numerous and sundry other items.  Two Island Japanese were taken to Seattle for further questioning.  Certain other residents of Vashon-Maury classified as enemy aliens had their premises searched by the F.B.I. men but none were detained.  Nearly sixty agents took part in the raid, which was conducted from a temporary headquarters in the county building.  It was one of a series which have been conducted all along the Pacific coast in an effort to remove the danger of espionage and sabotage by enemy aliens.

• McElvain New Superintendent of Schools; No Early Closing – It seems probable that Vashon schools will not close early this year, if sentiment which has reached the school board so far is typical of the general attitude of people on Vashon-Maury.  It was stated at a recent meeting of that of those people expressing an opinion on the matter of an early closing most had made it clear that the help of students on Saturdays each week is of more value than the week or two weeks at the end of May would offer if that were made possible.  The board then went on record as not favoring a change to hold Saturday school.

February 19, 1942

• Instructor Tom Bacchus Home on Furlough – How would you like to sweat through a long training period while they taught you to fly, then given a scouting plane that is shot out of a catapult after you are told to find the enemy fleet and keep your eye on it at the same time you know your plane couldn’t get away from enemy fighters and couldn’t fight back at them?  That’s what Tom Bacchus, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Bacchus, who is visiting the Island on a 15 day furlough from his training school at Corpus Christi, Texas has let himself in for.  Except that Tom, having shown that he has the stuff and having finished his training course, has been made an instructor.  When he goes back he will be showing the other lads how it’s done.  Anyhow, Tom now wears the wings of the United States Navy fliers.  The training was tough and holidays rare, but he doesn’t look any the worse for it.  Many people will be pleased to see him, for he grew up on the Island, was a local athlete of considerable standing, and graduated from the University of Washington.  Seeing him with his uniform and winds he reminds us that he is one more Island-grown boy now in the service of whom Islanders can well be proud.

• School, Fire Elections To Be Held In March

• “Has Beens” Flock To Register – Monday was “has been” day at County building on Vashon.  “Has been,” many of whom may be asked to do a military come-back when, as, and if Uncle Sam needs them.  A corps of women under the direction of Mrs. F.J. Shattuck spent the day registering every man between the ages of 20 and 45 not already on the country’s military books.  One hundred forty of them, including many who served in World War One, appeared at the building to have the essentials of their life histories jotted.  A great share of them felt that they could stand up to it and take it better than some of the “younger sprouts” if the army would give them a chance.  The bay windows and grey hairs apparently caused some skepticism amongst the registrars.  One conscientious objector was listed and almost taken apart by the women.  His outspoken sentiments proved definitely unpopular.  A local Filipino was so anxious for military service that he asked the word “Rush” to be written all over his card.  One sidelight brought out the wide range of birthplaces of the registrants.  Out of a wide range localities mentioned one man was born on Wake Island and two on Guam.  One father and son combination was booked.  Dale Shride and his son Richard appeared together in answer to the call.

• Tahlequah Notes – Carl Rooth has purchased the 16-acre berry field owned by the late Bert Hotaling.  The Rooths plan to tear out the berries, plant 50 fruit trees and put about two acres in potatoes.  They expect to build a home on the hill overlooking the West Pass and Commencement Bay.

• Tahlequah Notes – Daffodils have been in bloom for the last three weeks at the Roediger home.

• Burton School Closes – An epidemic of chickenpox in the Burton Grammar School made it advisable to discontinue operations until there was an abatement of the disease.

• New County Equipment Now at Work on Vashon Island – Vashon-Maury road workers this week initiated the huge new gravel crusher at the Mileta pit on Maury, and are finding its performance highly satisfactory.  Three men are required for its operation, and they will be able to produce crushed rock sufficient to surface all of the Island roads.  The cost of this surfacing material is small compared to the improvement that will result.  It is startling to realize that with the new equipment crusher rock of excellent quality can be produced at 40 cents a cubic yard, whereas a few years ago the cost to King County was $2.77 a yard f.o.b. at crusher south of Seattle, and about $4.25 delivered via scow at an Island dock.  It is easy to believe the statement of Commissioner Archie Phelps that the crusher will pay for itself and operation in two years.  When questioned Monday Mr. Phelps stated that at present 20 men were employed on Island roads.  This is a small crew for “election year” but apparently the desire to establish and maintain King County and the South District on a sound business basis means more to Mr. Phelps than building up a political machine which would cost the taxpayers money that should produce other results.  When the 1942 budget was first made $39,000 was allocated for labor on Island roads.  Later on the road budget had to be cut 40 percent on account of reduced revenues, yet the second budget found the Island with $39,540, and increase instead of a 40 percent cut.  Asked about the Ellisport-Portage road Mr. Phelps stated that the crew were working there this week, dumping rock to prevent further destruction, and that gradually, as time permitted they would repair the road temporarily until state funds were available for a permanent job.  The road now being used, back of the old one damaged by winter storms, will be resurfaced and graded to make it safer.  In reply to a question as what was to be done at Vashon Heights on the dock and parking lot the commissioner said that the work would be done as soon as there was settled weather.  It is an expensive operation to redeck a dock when lumber is subjected to rain; likewise dirt, which must be moved before the parking lot is ready for use can be moved when dry at a fraction of what it costs when wet.  However, weather permitting the work will be completed before summer.  Mr. Phelps observed that with the possible rationing of gasoline and the need of conservation of tires there would be still less gasoline money next year, and every dollar for road purposes must be spent wisely and well.

February 26, 1942

• Jim Cronander Received Annapolis Appointment

• 4 Tacoma Youths Saved From Sound

• Big Movie Outfits Want Vashon-Maury Pictures – Get your best pants pressed, your teeth combed and parted in the middle, and send into town for a brand new toupe.  The Island is going into the movies!  Monday morning, as Vashon-Maury residents noticed, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer carried the story of the Civilian Defense maneuvers.  The story was well illustrated and carried through most of two columns.  It did the Island no harm.  In fact, it was so pleasingly complimentary that many localities and members of Civilian Defense units are tucking copies of it away in their scrap books.  The motion picture camera men are coming over to register the Vashon-Maury portion of them on high-priced film.  It’s going to be a fine chance for an incidental or accidental screen test.  The action will be provided by members of Civilian Defense.  If you don’t happen to be a part of any unit, well, maybe you can be the one that’s pushed over the bluff to make a practice casualty for the hospital.  Anyway, Vashon-Maury goes into the movies!  Whoopee!

• P-I Staff Men See Local Civilian Defense Function – Two members of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer staff appeared to be duly impressed last Friday afternoon.  They were met at the ferry, taken on a dizzy pattern of zigzags over highway and byway, escorted though a rapid-fire program of Civilian Defense maneuvers, and finally released at the end of a hard afternoon to catch a return ferry to the city.  The men were R.B. Berman, feature writer, and “Slim” Lynch, staff photographer.  Mr. Berman is doing a series of articles for the Post-Intelligencer on the Civilian Defense set-ups of the various parts of the county.  When word was received that he was to visit Vashon-Maury a sequence of practice maneuvers was arranged to give a quick but fairly complete idea of the stage to which Civilian Defense has been developed on the Island. - Start of Events – Accordingly the two men were taken first to the L.P. Black residence at Vashon Heights and there shown how the air raid warning system operated.  From there they were taken to the Vashon grade school to witness an evacuation of the school children, which was accomplished in less than a minute after sounding the alarm.  The next highlite was a visit to observation posts, where one was theoretically bombed out and the communications unit set up a new post almost in less time than I takes to write about.  They saw, in a visit to headquarters at the county building, how that part functions and were surrounded and regaled with local ballyhoo by the members of the women’s units present.  – Metzenberg’s Meathunters Perform – Captain John Metzenberg and his sturdy “Meat-hunters” surrounded saboteurs at KIRO, and were photographed with their guns ready to blaze.  At this point the fire siren was heard and the party rushed over to Portage to watch the Vashon and Burton units of the fire department put out a wet fire.  A few minutes later the county road crew put on a demonstration of quick repair on a road that had been theoretically blasted by bombs.  Trucks, bulldozer, scraper, and shovel men were all present and gave a completeness to the program that thoroughly impressed the men from the city. – Casualty Station Prepared – The last act was left for the Lisabeula casualty station.  The hospital was equipped and manned to the last surgeon’s scalpel.  Even a casualty who had received first aid on the road at the Portage fire and had been taken by ambulance to the hospital, was reclining on the emergency operating table surrounded by an imposing battery of doctors and white-clad nurses.  The send-off was the work of the commissary unit who had prepared refreshments for the afternoon’s participants.

• Beall Greenhouses Will Display Royal Orchids – Orchids from plants which belonged to the royal family of England will be among those exhibited at the Pacific Northwest Spring Flower and Garden Show to be held for eight days beginning March 15 on both levels of the Seattle Civic Auditorium, according to Thomas Beall.  These orchids are from fine stud lines which have been developed in England, and which previous to the war could not be found in America.  Some of these plants are valued from $5,000 to $10,000. 

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March 1942
March 5, 1942

• Date Set For Sugar Ration – The public schools are to perform the function of registering trade outlets and civilian consumers for sugar rationing, according to word received this week by Lloyd McElvain, from Mrs. Pearl Wanamaker, state superintendent of public instruction.  The dates set for registration are as follows: March 9 and 10 trade outlets will be registered at the high school; March 17 to 30 all civilian consumers residing on Vashon Maury Island must be registered and sugar rationing cards issued to them at the elementary schools.  When this initial registration has been completed the registration cards and other reports will be turned over to the rationing agency which will be responsible for the subsequent operation of the program.

• Vashon High Boys Win Awards – Two local high school youth have received outstanding recognition during the last week, according to Lloyd McElvan, superintendent of Vashon-Maury schools.  Jimmy Matsumoto, star guard of Coach Bob Eckman’s current basketball quintet, was named on the first string of the All-Star team for the Tri-County league.  Jimmy was the only member of a team other than South Kitsap High School of Port Orchard to be named on the All-Star first team.  Vern Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smith of Burton, was awarded a silver medal for excellence in speaking and debating in the state-wide tournament held at the University of Washington.

• Mrs. Fox’s Cousin Bataan Here – Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Fox, whose home is “Destiny Bay,” at Cedarhurst on Vashon Island, will look forward with utmost eagerness to all future news releases from General MacArthur’s headquarters in the Philippine Islands.  A brief dispatch a few days ago told of Col. Charles L. Steele of Davidson, N.C. who led his regiment, the 31st Infantry, in the counter-attack that prevented the Japs from splitting United States forces retiring to the Bataan peninsula.  Col. Steele is a first cousin of Mrs. Fox.

• The Creed Of Japanese-Americans – I am proud that I am an American citizen of Japanese ancestry.  For my very background makes me appreciate more fully the wonderful advantages of this nation.  I believe in her institutions, ideals and traditions; I glory in her heritage; I boast of her history; I trust in her future.  She has granted me liberties and opportunities.  She has given me an education befitting kings.  She has entrusted me with the responsibilities of the franchise.  She has permitted me to build a home, to earn a livelihood, to worship, think, speak and act as I please – as a free man equal to every other man.  Although some individuals may discriminate against me, I shall never become bitter or lose my faith, for I know that such persons are not representatives of the majority of the American people.  True I shall do all in my power to discourage such practices, but I do it in the American way, above-board, in the open, through the courts of law, by education, by proving myself to be worthy of equal treatment and consideration.  I am firm in my belief that American sportsmanship and attitude of fair play will not judge citizenship and patriotism on the basis of physical characteristics.  Because I believe in America, and I trust she believes in me and because I have received innumerable benefits from her I pledge myself to do honor to her at all times and in all places; to support her constitution; to obey her laws; to respect her flag; to defend her against all enemies foreign and domestic.  Actively to assume my duties and obligations as citizen, cheerfully and without any reservation whatsoever, in the hope that I may become a better American in a greater America. –Michael Masaoka, of San Francisco, California, National Secretary of Japanese-American Citizens League.  Adopted by Japanese-American Club of Vashon Island.

• The obituary of George Carty was published.

March 12, 1942

• Brenno Brings AAA To Island Drivers

• Accident Brings Death To Marion Fitzpatrick – A paper-thin rear tire that blew out and threw the car out of control caused the death of Marion Fitzpatrick, 17, Vashon High School senior, and varying injuries to four others Tuesday evening.  The other occupants of the car included Goldie Roncevich of Dockton, Jean Fitzpatrick, who was driving the car at the time of the accident and sister of Marion, Fay Fitzpatrick, 9, also a sister, and Earl Willers, owner of the car.  The accident occurred near the golf course on Maury Island.  

March 19, 1942

• The Grab Bag – This is a new feature in the News-Record.  It is just what the name implies.  It is a column designed to catch most anything that doesn’t fit particularly well elsewhere in the paper.  It is open to whatever you care to send us, with certain reservations.  We’ll write some of it, you write some of it, or at least we hope you’ll turn in the items for us to write, News, odd slants, dope, anything that you think will interest people of the Island and that more or less concerns them.  Here goes.  *** The highway between Burton and Tahlequah has a large, new parking place, strategically situated at the top of the hill to take advantage of a view that is really something.  There is a substantial guard rail around it that cars may lean against while their occupants drink in the sweeping panorama of shore line and mountain that stretches before them.  The road committee of the Commercial Club have been after a parking place at this point for several years.  The job, now that it is done, is a credit to the county road crew.  Seems that there should be a name for the spot.  Got any ideas? *** Harry Robbins’s recent trip to Port Angeles has made him a very alert and belligerent citizen towards the Axis.  Harry saw war preparations up there that, close as that area is to us, few of us realize are being made.  Maybe if a few more of us could take that same trip now we’d be made to understand that our country is really serious about this war. *** The best crack we’ve heard all week came from a gentleman of the cloth.  We’d like to give him credit buy maybe we shouldn’t.  Referring to a man whom everybody agreed was a louse he said “it would take an aeroplane to get him into hell!” *** Bill McGill can campaign for us whenever we run for president, or any other time.  Bill was the guy responsible for getting a lot of those 157 sticker votes on the ballots for Ed Gleb at the school election.  Although technically there was no opposition to Ed we still think it was nice work, polling that many stickers out of a possible 253. *** Herb Creevey quit his job with the county a few days ago and now he finds himself torn by temptation.  He can made good money in Seattle.  Better money in Alaska.  He can commute to Seattle but there’s no ferry to the North.  It’s a spot lots of localities have been in lately but it doesn’t help them much to tell them that money isn’t everything.  They know that – but what the heck? *** Island Idyll = There was a young lady named Tula Who never had left Lisabeula.  Well known was her knack Of dispersing a snack And it cost to darned much to refuela. *** It’s happened.  The think that has had everybody holding their breaths.  Margaret Corbin and Lewis Noah tossed aside all restraint Sunday and bumped their heads against the hold boughs of wedlock.  It’s kind of sad, too, when we think about it.  We’ve waited so long for that free cigar and now that we’ve smoked it we’ll have to go back to our own nickel brand again. *** The order prohibiting lights of any kind on the beaches is only half a hardship.  It kept Deputy Sheriff F.J. Shattuck up till midnight the other night chasing some clam diggers whose lights were reported from Seattle.  But it means that a lot of infant clams will have a chance to reach manhood this year which otherwise might never have attained a status worthy of steaming.  Also, it means that there will be are less danger from beach fires, neglected during the night, getting away and burning over all the country for a mile around. *** Seen During The Week – Norman Edson, fixing up some of his Pictures-with-poetry that were beauties; Joe Green and Francis Fox laughing a duet; Dig Williams, cussing the oil situation; Karl Hansen, Sr., worrying about his pigs; Bok Griffin, wondering how to fix up his little lunch room near the new parking place without electric lights; Joy Robinson, enthusing about her new job; Edgar Pack, showing improvement from his long, sick spell; Bud Ely, fixing a wire on the bus at Burton; Marjorie Kirkland, buying hardware.

March 26, 1942

• Will Celebrate Second Anniversary – Celebrating fitly the conclusion of two successful years of operation the Vashon Variety Store will hold open house next Saturday.  Invited to the birthday party are the many friends who have helped to make the past two years such profitable and happy ones for Mr. and Mrs. Ramquist, owners and operators.

• Official School Directors Elect Unofficially – Although the meeting cannot be officially recognized as having been held until two o’clock on the afternoon of March 30 the newly elected board of school directors for Vashon school district number 402 jumped the gun with an unofficial get-together Tuesday evening at Vashon High School.  As a result unofficial officers were elected and unofficial committees were appointed.  Unofficial chairman of the board is now Steve Church.  Hubert Spalding, although official clerk of the expiring board, is now also unofficial clerk of the incoming one.  Dr. F.A. McMurray was made unofficial chairman of finance, Ed Gleb unofficial chairman of Buildings, and John Ingraham unofficial chairman of transportation.  Joker In Law – The whole difficulty, if it is a difficulty, lies in the fact that somebody in the past, apparently desiring to put a joker in the law, wrote in the requirement that the first official meeting of the new board take place at two o’clock on the afternoon of a day stipulated to be a certain number of days after election.  As two o’clock in the afternoon is not always a convenient hour for school directors to meet, past boards have taken certain liberties.  Rumor has it that one elected group met for the first time in the bank, another on a street corner, and in fact they have been credited with meeting almost anywhere from the third step of the Burton postoffice to the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

• High School Notes – Every teacher on the Island has finished the Red Cross first aid training course and is now qualified to carry the standard card issued by the organization it was announced this week by Robert Eckman, principal of Vashon High School and teacher of the course.

• Fire Protection District Gets Almost Unanimous Vote – The fire district is in.  Vashon-Maury rose to the occasion in the Tuesday election and registered its approval with a unanimity unprecedented in the Island’s history.  In all the nine precincts of the Island only four votes were tallied as opposed to setting up the fire district.  One party was found against the proposition in Quartermaster precinct, another in Dockton, while two others in Island precinct showed their teeth.

• Examinations For Drivers Licenses Next Week – Holders of temporary drivers licenses should take their examinations for permanent ones next Monday and Tuesday at the County building at Center, according to an announcement by F.J. Shattuck, deputy sheriff, this week.

• News-Record Will Keep File Of Evacuee Addresses – As a service to evacuees in locating friends, and to provide a means by which they may be reached on matters of business the News-Record will maintain a file of all addresses with which we may be supplied.  This same service is being rendered by the Bainbridge Review.  Those whom the misfortunes of war are removing from our community will still continue to regard the Island as home, and a number plan to keep in touch with it through the local paper.

• The Grab Bag – Jesse Shaw has a morgue.  Not the kind that takes care of you when you are all through, but a newspaper morgue.  Some eight years ago a Burton boy, now grown up, issued a newspaper whenever the inclination seized him.  One issue holds an apology for missing the previous one because it was due to come out during vacation and he didn’t wish to lose any of it.  He had a quick eye for his advertisers and not a one but received high praise.  He even labeled certain explanatory statements as editorials.  Jess has kept most of the paper’s editions, which were mimeographed sheets, as much for the richness of recollection they bring as a part of his profusion of curios.  A morgue of that kind has something you won’t find in the files of a regular newspaper.

• The Grab Bag – Island Idyll – There was a young lady from Burton Whose eyes she was always avertin’.  She was so doggonned shy That one day by-and-by Her friends up and bought her a curtain.

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April 1942
April 2, 1942

• Junk for Defense Must be Taken to Seattle Saturday – Junk that lies useless in your backyard can be converted into funds for Civilian Defense work on our Island but it will do no good as long as it remains in its present location.  It must be taken to Seattle and converted into cold cash.  John Steen has informed the News-Record that four county trucks and drivers who are donating their time will be available Saturday to haul junk to Seattle.  At present the scrap heap north of the Scout Cabin is not nearly large enough to make the trip worthwhile so civic-minded citizens are asked to do some tall hustling  between now and Friday and build up the pile so the trucks can carry capacity loads.

• Fire Trucks Called Out by Brush and Grass Fires – A brush fire that burned over an acre about two miles square Northeast of Vashon necessitated both fire trucks being called out Saturday afternoon and again the same evening.  According to report the fire started from a carelessly thrown match, which ignited dry grass.  A brisk breeze completed the job.  Tuesday afternoon as O.E. Ramquist was burning off a field near his house a sudden gust of wind whipped the flames out of control.  While he was protecting his outbuildings the fire raced on and spread to timber on the Guy place.  A call for help was sent in and the fire department arrived amazingly quickly.  Johnny Beall, chief of the fire department points out that especial care must be taken while doing spring burning.  Sudden gusts of wind can so easily carry a small fire out of control and serious damage result.  Each trip the Vashon fire department makes costs time and wages, as all of the men are Beall Greenhouse employees.  This is also true with the Burton department.

• Few Fish Are Cavorting – Salmon and trout have put in an appearance at Tahlequah during the last 10 days.  There is not an oversupply, but it has been some time since any fish have been caught in these waters.

• Letter from Lt. Harold Agren – Bringing belated holiday wishes to family and friends, and lifting a great weight from the hearts of members of his home circle a letter arrived Tuesday afternoon from Harold Agren, and officer in the American forces in Bataan.

• Gerald Garrison Wins Engineering Scholarship – Gerald Garrison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Garrision was notified officially this week that he had won a scholarship which will give him a year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

• Maurice Dunsford Takes Over Packing Plant – Announcement was made this week that Maurice Dunsford has taken over all of the interests of Mukai and Son, including farms, leased acreage and packing plant.  Associated with the Mukais for a number of years Mr. Dunsford is probably better acquainted with their business than any other person.  He will operate it entirely independent of any other interests.  There will be no change in policy, and insofar as possible Island help will be employed in the packing plant which annually gives employment to a large number of people.  The Mukai home at the plant, which attracts visitors all year-‘round, will be kept in the same state of beauty.  The house will be occupied only by a caretaker.  The Mukai family left Saturday for Weiser, Idaho, where they plan to remain for the duration.  Masa will keep in constant touch with affairs here giving Mr. Dunsford the benefit of his experience, although the business is leased for a period of two years.  The announcement appearing in this issue of the News-Record, made by Mukai which states that he has leased his business, the Vashon Island Packing Company, formerly Mukai and Son, to Mr. Dunsford quiets rumors that have circulated ever since the order for evacuation was published.

• Used Clothing For Casualty Station – Used clothes for men, women and children are being collected by members of the American Legion Auxiliary.  They may be left at the Vashon Variety Store, the Ellisport post office, or Robbins’ Cash Grocery at Burton.  The purpose of this drive is to collect a supply of clothing for the Red Cross Casualty Station, to be used in case of a hurried evacuation from home, bombing or any other such emergency.

• Mrs. Measley Hears From Son – Monday Mrs. Ruth Beasley received a letter from her son Jules, who is with the American forces on the Bataan Peninsula.

• Handsome Trailer Built Here – It will be well worth the time of anyone interested in trailers to visit the millwork plant of the Bacchus Lumber Company and see the handsome one being built there by George and Lewis Schoeppel, Deb Harrington and Albert Therkelsen for Masa.  The trailer, which is really a three-room house, is 22 feet long and eight wide.  Although of sturdy construction it is comparatively light, as plywood is being used for siding.  Balsam wool is employed for insulation.  There is a bedroom with two bunk beds, a compact little kitchen that would delight any housewife, and a living room with additional sleeping facilities.  There are two wardrooms, the doors of which provide a partition for the bedroom and cupboards galore.  It is equipped with a gas range, refrigerator, oil stove for heating and tiny but adequate plumbing.  The trailer will be taken away next Saturday to Weiser, Idaho where the Mukais are making their temporary home with a sister of Mrs. Masa Mukai.  Louis Bailey, one of the Dunsford Auto Freight drivers, will take it with a truckload of personal belonging of the Mukais.

• The Masa Mukai home on the Colvas Road, has been rented by Mr. and Mrs. Al Gust.

April 9, 1942

• Ruth While and Glenn Kimball This Week’s Poetry Contest Winners

• Scrap Iron Drive Makes Good Progress

• Senior Play Cast Chosen – “Don’t Take By Penny,” the play chosen by the Vashon Island Senior Class, will be presented May 1.

• Word comes from Honolulu that Perry Hansen of Cove is making rapid progress and has received an electrician’s rating.  He is doing radio work at Pearl Harbor, often repairing the equipment of three ships at one time.

April 16, 1942

• Five Fires On Vashon Cost 116 Man Hours – Brush and grass fires on Vashon Island last week cost the fire department 116 man hours.  Since the majority of the members are employed at the Beall greenhouses, where no deduction is made from their wages for the time out for fire-fighting this also represents a considerable donation on the part of the Beall Greenhouse Company.

• Victory Garden Will Be Community Project – Although they will assist in any way possible Island Japanese cannot guarantee to carry to completion the Victory Garden project which they undertook for the benefit of Island school lunches.  C.G. Kimmel, chairman, has resigned, finding the supervision took more time than he had to spare.  For a time it appeared that the project would have to be abandoned, but Wednesday morning representatives of the various schools met and a determined effort will be made to have a real Victory Garden.  Mrs. Joe Rand is again assuming the brunt of responsibility in getting ground work laid.

• Island Young People Wed – The wedding announcements of Miss Willetta Pemberton to Robert A. Hawkins, Robert Allen Beall to Juneanne Sexsmith, and Mary Lou Price to Sergeant John Marshall Miller was published.

• A Report of Condition of Vashon State Bank at the close of business on April 4, 1942 showed total assets of $294,314.58.

• Many New Tugboats Are Seen By Tahlequahites – There are numerous strange tugboats hauling log booms passing Tahlequah these days.  Some appear to be of ancient vintage.  The lumber business is exceptionally good, and more booms are going by this year than in the last decade.  The fact that the government has commandeered several of the Foss tugs for a part of those now hauling booms to Tacoma and various inner Sound ports.  The skipper of the tug “Chickamauga” apparently unfamiliar with the currents, came so close to shore Sunday that his boom ripped out two 4-inch planks from the Roediger bulkhead.

• John McKinstry Reported Missing By Navy Department – Word has been received by friends here that John McKinstry, 22, has been reported among the missing, lost when the U.S. Langley was sunk late in February.

April 23, 1942

• For Motor Boat Owners Only – The government is interested in organizing civilian shore patrols.  It is requested that all motor boat owners who would be willing to cooperate in the organization of a “navy” for Vashon-Maury contact Francis Fox immediately.  His phone is Black 163.  If it proves that 15 persons are willing to use their boat and time for certain periods of patrol a Coast Guard officer will come to the Island to explain the duties, and organize the group.

• String Saving To Become Popular – If string saving is not already a habit patrons and friends of our Island schools are invited to make it one.  A fine lot of peas planted by Japanese in the Victory Garden will soon be needing more string than there is on hand now.  The poles are all in place, but string is another thing.  Do not throw away a smigentary bit of it, be it laundry string, sack string or just ordinary cord string that comes from the grocery store.  What you accumulate may be handed to Petersen Feed and Lumber Company drivers, or to the Co-op drivers, and picked up for use in the gardens.  Sunday 12 Japanese boys and a few Americans worked with Ray Campbell, William Steen and Lloyd McElvain in hauling fertilizer with trucks donated by Petersen Feed and Lumber Company and Glenn Miyoshi.  The ground will be plowed this week and root vegetables for next year’s school lunches will be planted by high school boys.  There will be no canning project, as it is planned to take the peas to the WPA cannery at Kent.

• Striping Makes Fine Change in Appearance of Vashon – Visitors to the village of Vashon these days are fairly rubbing their eyes at the change that has been effected by new parking regulations.  Parallel parking is now in effect, with fresh yellow lines indicating the exact space needed for automobiles.  The striping of Island roads is the last of the program in the South District.  Although badly needed during the winter when fogs were prevalent it was impossible to do the work effectually until weather permitted.  Planned first as an economy measure the striping was applied in sections ten feet of solid striping with ten feet between the sections.  It was discovered that this broken line was much more effective, and easily followed than a continuous one.

• Donald Urquhart Elected Senior Class President

• Bread Truck Driver Kills Aged Man – Richard “Dick” Shorey, 79 years old, was instantly killed Tuesday noon when struck by a bread truck driver, Stanley Milton, 1609 East Harrison, Seattle.  Investigation of the accident Wednesday morning established that although the driver, who was coming from Dockton, had approximately 240 feet vision he failed to see the aged man walking along the shoulder of the highway, completely off the road.  The truck swung off the highway just north of the Y below the golf course, into the gutters sideswiping Shorey as it swing back.  Death was instantaneous.  An old-age pensioner, the man was making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Jack Coulson, bulb growers living a short distance from the golf course.  He has a sister in California, but no relatives in this vicinity.

• Daigo Tagami Wins Highest Average – It was announced last week that Daigo Tagami had maintained the highest average in the Class of ’42 during his four years at Vashon Island High School.  Rachel Blekkink is second on the list.  With evacuation of the Japanese still pending it is problematical whether Daigo will be on the Island to deliver the valedictory.  In the event he is not here Rachel will take his place and Edith Larson, third in the list of top-ranking students, will give the salutatory.  There are four Japanese students in this year’s senior class and all of them have practically completed their year’s work.  They are Daigo, Jimmie Matsumoto, Masa Kunugi and Shigego Yoshida.  Several are taking laboratory courses outside of class, yet all have continued to maintain excellent grades.  If they are obliged to leave school before graduation, May 29, any unfinished portion of their work can be completed by correspondence.

April 30, 1942

• Register For Ration Cards – Heads of households should register for sugar rationing cards Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 4,5,6 and 7 at the most convenient grammar school between the hours of 3:30 and 5, and 7 and 9.  One person may register for the entire household.  The amount of sugar on hand must be declared and stamps taken out for it. Even though you have a supply it will be necessary to register as later rationing is anticipated.

• Important Fire Notice – The military has no objections to the burning of accumulations of brush, stumps, etc. provided: a. That the burning is done in the daytime.  b. That fires are held to such size that they can be extinguished before nightfall, and c. That the burning takes place one-half mile or more inland from the beach.  There can be absolutely no beach fires day or night.  After May 15 no fires are permitted even with the restrictions authorized above.  The foregoing was announced at a meeting of the commissioners of Fire District No. 13, held Monday evening.

• Larry’s Will Open Saturday – Regardless of whether the almanac says so, or not, summer on Vashon Island officially opens when Larry’s Place at Vashon opens for the season.  Already mothers are complaining that their youngsters have been pestering them to death asking when they could get some of the delicious home-made ice cream there that is so popular.  The official opening will take place next Saturday, and Larry’s will do a land office business unless there is a blizzard.

• Burton Fire Truck Now In New Quarters – No one can ever accuse the men of Burton of not having the proper patriotism and Scotch souls.  Although the provisions of the newly formed Fire District No. 13 permitted construction of a new building to house the Burton fire truck Harry Robbins, commissioner, and the men of the village accepted Matt Morrissey’s offer of his garage and Sunday was declared a field day.  The Morrissey garage, located at the rear of the market, has been used as a storeroom for a number of years.  It was cleared out by the workers, remodeled to the requirements of the fire truck, a new ramp built and in other ways transformed from a building not particularly needed to one that fills the needs of housing and caring for very vital equipment.

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May 1942
May 7, 1942

• Island Canvassed In Bond Campaign – C.F. Van Olinda, who is in charge of the canvass board made locally this week for the sale of war bonds and stamps, reports that excellent progress is being made.  The drive will continue throughout the week, until every home has been visited if possible.  Making the canvass and assisting Mr. Van Olinda are O.S. Hart, Marie Covington, John Ober, Mrs. Graham Maloney, P.A. Pettersen,Capt. Russell Powell, Edward Gleb, Theo Berry, John Ingraham, Lillian Larsen, H.D. McPherson, V.F. Strange, Mrs. John Mattson, Mrs. R.I. Polhamus, George T. Thompson and O.E. Ramquist.

• Sugar Stamps Good Only On Certain Dates – Among the many facts regarding sugar rationing that folks here learned this week as they appeared at one of the grammar schools to register for the ration cards is that they MUST use their stamps on certain dates.  The first stamp is good ONLY UNTIL MAY 18.  And utterly useless after that date.  So don’t wait until after that date to use it.

• To Observe National Hospital Day – National Hospital Day will be observed with a silver tea and inspection of the Red Cross Casualty Station at Lisabeula on Sunday, Mother’s Day, from two to five.

• Paul Billingsley Given Defense Appointment – In a joint announcement made Wednesday by Governor Arthur B. Langlie, Chairman W. Walter Williams of the State Defense Council, and Col. R.C. Moffat, commanding the advance echelon of the interceptor command, it was made public Wednesday that Paul Billingsley had been named director of aircraft warning service with the State Defense Council.  Under Mr. Billingsley’s earnest and untiring effort  Civilian Defense on the Island has been developed to the point that it has become nationally the model for rural communities.

• Island Priority Board Is Appointed – Announcement has been made of the appointment of members of Local Rationing Board A-19.  Dr. J.C. Bennett will act as chairman.  Assisting him will be Wallace Beall and George Bucknell.  These men will serve without compensation and will meet each Monday evening in the office of the Beall Greenhouse Company.  Their first meeting was Monday night.  They will have authority to deal with the rationing locally of automobiles, tires, sugar and typewriters.  The May tire quota for Vashon Island is 10 passenger car tires, including motorcycle; 120 passenger recaps; 870 passenger tubes; 15 truck tubes.  Conservation of rubber is understandable in view of the fact that in 1941 760,000 tons was used in the United States, while for 1942 150,000 tons is advised.  Al Spencer has been named official inspector of tires.  Those applying for new tires must have him inspect the old ones and issue applications that will be passed on by the priority board.

• Wedding Bells Ring For Island Couples – The wedding announcements of Claire Soike to Arnold Hartvigson, Betty Jane Tjomsland to Carl F. Fuller, Dorris Jeanne Bitle to Wilson A. Miller, Mrs. Nellie Watson Slagle to Victor A. Moberg were published.

• Lewis Goes; Phil Comes – This week witnessed a change in the back office of the News-Record, which accounts in part for this issue of the paper being a day late.  C.L. “Lewie” Noah has joined the ranks of defense workers and started work Monday morning at Boeing’s.  Phil Garber, a former editor of the paper, took over as printer Tuesday.

• Rival Newspaper Makes Appearance – A newspaper, “The Neighborhood News” is making its regular weekly appearance around Quartermaster Harbor.  The editor is Norman Stanley, a pupil of the Burton second grade.  The compositor is his aunt, Miss Marjorie Stanley.

May 14, 1942

• Island Japanese Will Evacuate Saturday – Orders were posted Tuesday noon by army officials setting Thursday, May 14, as the day for final registration of Island Japanese.  They have received instructions that they will be evacuated before noon Saturday. 

• West Siders Protest Change At Present Time – Petitions, signed by 98 percent of the voters of Columbia District, have been presented to the directors of District 402, consolidated public schools of Vashon Island.  The purpose of these petitions is to protest the discontinuance of Columbia School and to request that it be kept in operation for the duration on equal standing with all other Island schools.

• Larry’s Place Sold – Announcement was made this week that Larry’s Place, popular ice creamery, had been sold.  It is now operating under the management of Mrs. Jean Stone Johnson.

• Japanese Boys In Exile Will Form Branch Troop – Although witnessed by but a few a ceremony of unusual significance took place at the Scout Cabin Monday evening.  Members of Troop 495, Scoutmaster Ralph Schofield and Austin Case, Sr. honored a group of Japanese boys, members and former members of the troop.  They were presented with the American flag and the troop flag which had been in use for the past 15 years.  The Japanese boys had expressed their intention to form a Scout troop as soon as they were evacuated to carry on as a branch of Troop 495 of which they were all present or former members.  Included in the group were Don, Frank and Willie Matsumoto, Tashio, Yukio and George Fujioka, Harry Sakai, Tokio Otsuka, Daigo Togami, Sherman Hoshi and Yoshio Nakamichi.  Frank Matsumoto was appointed scoutmaster for the new troop 495-A.  He will be assisted by George Fujioka, present assistant scoutmaster of 495.  Presentation of the flags was made by Austin Case, Sr., while his son, Austin, Jr., presented the Japanese boys with the necessary record books.  It was a meeting of deep significance, which will not soon be forgotten by all present, binding still more closely the Japanese lads with loyalty and appreciation to the community which they feel has done more than any other in which fate might have cast them.  Nor were the boys of American parentage less impressed, for in this exchange of friendship they were given another example of the democracy is so truly American.

May 21, 1942

• Japanese Leave For Pinedale, Calif. – Saturday morning was the occasion of sad leave-taking as 126 Japanese left the Island for Pinedale, California. Approximately 300 American friends were at the dock to speed their parting, a gesture of friendliness that was deeply appreciated.  A special ferry arrived at 12:30 and 15 minutes later was loaded and pullout from the dock.  Without exception the passengers aboard wept as the shores of the Island receded, while the friends remaining here were deeply moved by their grief.  It was a parting that cemented even more closely the bond of friendship between neighbors of the two races that has withstood the test of war.  At Manchester the ferry docked to pick up Japanese from the Poulsbo district.  Less well organized than the Vashon Japanese there was a trying wait, which made a late landing at Colman Dock and a delay in entraining.  The passenger train which was to take them to California was on the siding close to the dock, and they were soon aboard (about 300 in all).  Leaving late in the afternoon practically all of the second generation experience their first train ride.  In a letter to Mrs. Anna Dowling, Martha Fujioka wrote that many of them were frightfully train-sick.  This was understandable as quite a group from here were in the last coach on the train.  However, Frank Matsumoto wrote that everything was “dandy,” meals were excellent and “the soldiers couldn’t be finer.”  Army officers and federal men who assisted in the evacuation remarked that the Japanese from Vashon Island were by far the finest class they had contacted.  It must have been a case of mutual respect, as the Japanese all through the preparations for evacuation dwelt at great length on the splendid treatment they received, and their appreciation of the fact that while they hated to leave they realized it was for their best interest.

• Gas Rationing Registration May 28-29 – No further details were given.

• C.G. Kimmel Named Roll Call Chairman of the Red Cross membership drive.

• Ed Slagle Reported Missing In Action – No report of his death has been received.  Mrs. Moberg, while deeply moved by the message confirming her fears, refuses to believe that her son is other than a prisoner of war.

• An Appreciation – To the Residents of Vashon Island:  In behalf of all the Japanese people of Vashon-Maury Island I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the many good wishes that you have expressed to us individually.  Our relations with you in the past many years have indeed been very friendly and wholesome and it shall not be forgotten by us.  Likewise, I hope that the impressions we leave behind will not be dimmed with the passing of time.  Furthermore, it is the hope and the desire of the Japanese people to return to this island and once again establish our homes among the people with whom we have so long associated.  To each and every resident of Vashon-Maury Island may I again extend my heartfelt thanks for the many happy years which we have had with you.  And now I must say for all of us to all of you, au revoir – till we meet again.  Very truly yours, Donald D. Matsumoto, Corresponding Secretary, Japanese-American Club.

• Notice!  Due to government regulations and requirements for the conservation of tires and gasoline it becomes necessary to put our milk delivery on EVERY OTHER DAY BASIS until further notice.  Thank you, Lande Dairy.

May 28, 1942

• Small 8th Grade Class Graduates – One of the smallest eighth grade classes in many years was graduated Tuesday night in exercises held in the auditorium of Vashon Island High School.  Completing their grammar school course were: BURTON; Jack Robinson, Robert Trail. Dale Tucker, Jay Hofmeister, Maxine Rolando, Naomi Sawyer, Mary Ann Selleck, Pat Shattuck, Marjorie Day, Lorena Mallum.  CENTER; William Mitchel, Owen Burge, Helen Jenn, Margaret Haack, Dorothy Clough.  COLUMBIA; Daniel Didricksen, June Habbestad, Annalee Humula, Tommy Lorentzen, Byron Moore, Madonna Reifers.  VASHON; Carl Backlund, Marilyn Cole, Margaret Douthwaltz, Paul Gillie, Lee Harrington, Marilyn Hopkins, George Kimmel, Kenneth Langland, Bonnie Jean McCormick, Francis Olsen, Marie Moore, Barbara Jean Rand, Donna Spalding, David Wilson, Grant Wyman, Peggy Wyman, Charles Zimferman.

• W.C. Cunningham To Operate Taxi – Announcement this week that W.C. Cunningham would operate a taxi service met with hearty approval.

• Gas Rationing Off – Dr. J.G. Bennett, chairman of the local priority board, has been informed that registration for gas rationing cards, announced for this week, will not be put into effect at the present.

• Commencement Program – Class of 1942 Vashon Island High School – May 29, 1942 – Class Colors Maroon and White – Class Motto “Not for Self, But for All.” – Class Roll: Ellen Truth Albee, Lavina Love Albee, Edwina Charlotte Baskin, Victor Oliver Bengston, Rachel Ann Blekkink, Stephen Harold Burton, Alfred Richard Clare, Bernice Deppman, Robert Austin Dunlap, Opal Mae Fitchell, Richard R. Garner, Kenneth Dale Garrison, William Russell Garvin, Jr., Clarence Ernest Gillie, Robert C. Harmeling, Paul Adelbert Harrington, Ruby Johansen, Hugh S. Kenreigh, Marian Blanche Kolstad, Mas Kunigi, Edith Marjorie Larsen, Carol Gilbert Leland, James T. Matsumoto, Eleanor Mae McIntyre, Robert J. Miller, Edward D. Morrison, Harley Duane Nelson, George William Peterson, William Wilson Smock, Glenn J. Spalding, Daigo Togami, Lillias Robertson Urquhart, Robert Edward Van Devanter, Berna Maxine Wick, Resin Wilkins Wyman, Jr., Shigeko Yoshida.

• Lisabeula Beach In USO Program – Included on the entertainment program for soldiers from Fort Lewis are weekly cruises to Lisabeula Beach, sponsored by the USO of Tacoma.  Forty couples, aboard the “Gallant Lady” stopped over at this popular Island resort Wednesday evening.

• News-Record Changes Management – Effective June 1st the management of the News-Record will be taken over by P.T. Garber.  The ownership will remain as at present, but it will be leased to Mr. Garber, whose policy and practice will be entirely his own, dictated in no way by anyone else.  It so happens that many of this views and policies are similar to those of Mrs. Smock’s, but this is merely a coincidence.  Mrs. Smock has no plans for the immediate future, but will maintain a home on the Island for Bob and Bill.  They are building a small house west of the News-Record office which they hope to have ready for occupancy about the middle of June.  They may leave now and then, but will return.  The Smocks, mother and children, are justifiably proud of the fact that the News-Record has been in their family for almost a quarter of a century, - 22 years to be exact, a longer ownership than anyone else’s in the history of the paper.  Mrs. Smock has managed the paper for the past 13 and a half years.  How well she can occupy her time in doing the many things she is planning remains to be seen, but it is safe to predict that there will be times when the urge to express herself in print will get the best of her, and readers will again encounter her in the columns of the News-Record. 

• Personal Notes – Word has been received from Pine Camp that Vashon won a softball game from Hood River, 11-10.  Frank Matsumoto umpired.  It seems that it always pays to carry your own umpire.

• Victory Garden Needs Volunteer Labor

• The obituaries of Leslie Jay Pereau, Mrs. Mary Ellen Bixby and J.A. Hessle were published.

• Editorial – L’Envoi – To utilize editorial space for reminiscence may not be customary, but as one good friend said not long ago, “I like the News-Record because it doesn’t follow any set pattern.”  So here goes to shatter another tradition.  With this issue of the paper we bow out for a year’s, presumably, leave of absence.  It is strange after so many years to contemplate changing one’s entire pattern of living, but world conditions are changing so rapidly that none can say with what certainty that his life will be just as drastically changed without his volition.  It is for this reason, that in the pitifully short months ahead we may have something resembling a normal life with our sons and be a full-time mother.  Already they are planning on orthodox meals, prepared in an orderly fashion; returning home from their jobs to find a mother waiting.  We think we’re going to like it, and Bob has six months more left until he is 20, so we can crowd a lot of happy living into that time.  There have been times when we were very impatient with this job of being an editor; when we used to say and mean it, “Just you wait until we get out our last issue.  We’re going to say all of the mean things we’ve wanted to and been afraid to!”  But now that the time has come we don’t even want to start running and shout them back.  It has been fourteen years since the News-Record became ours; thirteen years and six months since we assumed active operation of it.  In that time we have made many mistakes, but they have been honest ones.  We have offensively thrust our convictions on our readers, but there has always been many who agreed with us.  We like to think that during that time we have given recognition to quite a few who otherwise would not have known they were appreciated.  Some of our warmest advocates have been the very young and the opposite extreme, - those who were going down the hill to sunset’s shadows.  One of those was the little Scotch mother who was shamefully proud of her youngest.  If anyone had asked her whether Horace Greeley, or her Aggie May was the greatest editor she would have said the latter without hesitation.  There are so many things we would like to crowd into this last editorial; wishes for the future good and growth of the Island; thanks to you who have had faith in us, and who have given us the benefit of the doubt when others condemned; humble gratitude for those who have been tolerant of the children – appreciating the fact that having an editor-mother wasn’t much fun.  It can be summed up by saying that the past 14 years have been rich and full, - full of glad things as of sad; things to rejoice in as well as regret; raised to the nth degree because we occupied the position of being editor of the News-Record gave us.  Our duties will be taken over by Philip T. Garber, who is not a stranger to many of you.  He will be assisted by Mrs. Garber, whom you newer residents will like as well as her husband.  They will give you a more orthodox News-Record.  It will not contain, as it has frequently in the past, the vehement expressions of an editor who enjoys jousting with windmills.  The Garbers will appreciate any help you can give them in the way of phoning in news, for they have been away from here 18 years, and there have been many changes in that time.  We hope that you who have frequently dropped by to say “Howdy” to Aunt Aggie will do the same with the new editor folks.  It will be a grand gesture of welcome, and will make them feel as though they really were getting back “home” – which they have always considered Vashon Island.  Well, this could go on indefinitely, so we’ll stop right this minute, with sincere thanks for favors received, and the fine friendships we have made being editor of the News-Record, the finest job we’ve ever had – next to being a mother.  Good luck and God bless us; every one.

Agnes Smock turned editorship and management over to Phillip Graber beginning with the June 5, 1942  edition

 

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