1950 - 1951 - 1952 - 1953 - 1954 - 1955 - 1956 - 1957 - 1958 - 1959

1950

  • 1950 Census - 4,320 island residents
  • Vashon Bridge - Washington Toll Bridge Authority proposed high span bridge from Southworth to Vashon, floating bridge from Vashon to Fauntleroy -
  • “Let’s Build the Bridge” Campaign begins - $75,000 from State to begin preliminary planning
  • “Dream Bridge” theme of annual Flower Show on Island - model of new Vashon Bridge was centerpiece of show -
  • Ferry Meeting - overwhelming support of Vashon Ferry District - 750 attend -
  • Senate Bill No. 11 passes both houses of State Legislature - gives State jurisdiction over Puget Sound Navigation Company service
  • Ferry Leschi added to Ferry District fleet - 3 boats: Lincoln, Crosline, Leschi
  • Contract with State Toll Bridge Authority - Ferry District signs North End Run to State of Washington -
  • State Supreme Court invalidates State ferry arrangement with Black Ball Line
  • Albert Canwell speaks to Kiwanis Club - Canwell led “McCarthy” type hearings about communist influence at University of Washington

January -

  • Blizzard January 13 - 14 inches of snow blankets Island - 3 weeks of extreme cold weather - 9 days below 10 degrees
    Jan 14 - powerful waves undermine store and sweep structure into the Sound
    Jan 15 - Freezing 56 mph winds cancel ferries 8am to 6pm - thaw brings slides at Shawnee, Colvos, Vashon Heights - Heights store slips into Sound - North End dock damaged
  • New-Record editorial abut poor King County services to roads, bridges, and drainage
  • The Falcon’s Nest burns - NW showplace home - $100,000 loss - owner Austin F. Case
  • Fire destroys Kalls and Walls Boatworks on Colvos - 6-8 skiffs destroyed and 1 20-foot cabin cruiser - $25,000 in damages
  • January 26 storm - 60 mph winds from the North - Earth slide at Harbor Heights destroys one home - ferry service suspended- - roads closed
  • Margaret Bard appointed to King County Charter Commission
  • 1000 phones on Island, 14 operators

February -

  • Chamber of Commerce holds mass meeting to discuss ferry question
  • Trucks barred on Island roads
  • Ferry District Commissioner receive a vote of confidence
  • Island Insurance Agency sold to C.G. Wright
  • Center Team wins Community Hoops Championship
  • Art Poultney heads Red Cross Drive
  • Island Women Bowlers win class C championship at Tacoma Tournament
  • L.J. Foley opens real estate office

March -

  • Illegal dumping leads to fines for 6 islanders
  • County apportions $60,000 in road repair funds to Island
  • Kiwanians broadcast hoax program on KIRO radio
  • Paul Harrington and Sam Rowland elected to school board
  • Colliers Poultry Farm celebrates 1-year
  • VHS Graduate Phyllis Garber featured in Educational Journal

April -

  • Fire in projection room at Island Theatre
  • Cliff Moore and Bill Terrill open new business
  • Vashon Poultry Co Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Old Men’s Business Club
  • 700 x-rayed in local drive
  • Cooking School sponsored by Camulos Club and Ramquist Appliance
  • Student loan find to be continued
  • Beall Greenhouse keglars place third in Champion of Champions Tournament

May-

  • Patricia Campbell, novelists, entertained by Vashon Island Women’s Club
  • Kiwanis Club program broadcast on KIRO
  • News-Recxord Bowling Trophy won- by Beall Greenhouses
  • Family Fun Fest present by Vashon Grade School
  • Fire destroys brooder house and 5,000 chickens at D.A. Woodfin farm
  • O.E. Ramquist receives award as weather observer
  • Girls State - Sysan Wadleigh and Helen Kranjcevich
  • Bill’s Coffe And installs new ice cream storage
  • Shurfine market purchased by Rex Bowen

June -

  • Vashon Island Fireman’s Association honors retering chief George McCormick
  • 50 students graduate from VHS
  • Nancy Nolin and Tom Constains win VFW essay contest
  • Rev C. Theodore Hegg new pastor at Vashon Presbyterian Church
  • Library Silver Tea and Art Exhibit
  • Betty MacDonald’s new book published - Anybody Can Do Anything
  • Swim classes begin at Dockton Park
  • Ambulance Fund street dance fundraiser held
  • New addition added to Vashon State Bank
  • Fire destroys old Sterling Place

July -

  • Wax Orchards - 280 acres of orchards yielded 550 tons of fruit
  • American Legion places benches at bus stops
  • Vashon Variety sold to Ebinger by Frederickson
  • Danny Willsie wins NW Archery Championship
  • Jack’s Fountain Lunch at Heights Dock purchased by Watson
  • 9 new teachers in Vashon Schools
  • Vashon-Maury Pioneer Picnic held at IOOF Hall

August -

  • Betty Schapper named Harvest Festival Queen
  • Harvest Festival and parade a success
  • Swimmers from recreational program graduate
  • Ramquist Appliance Center celebrates 15 years
  • Road oiled from Dockton Junction to Robinson’s Point
  • Heights wins fastball crown

September -

  • Fireman’s Ball at Sportsman’s Club
  • Music Studio opened by Ruby Morford
  • Camulos Club Luncheon and Style Show
  • O.I. Putnam heads Community Chest Drive
  • Ken Beall begins commercial greenhouse business

October -

  • 2/3s of home lost in fire at Portage - contents a total loss
  • Bell from Dockton Drydock installed in St. Patrick’s church tower
  • Oct 14 - new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opens
  • School Board rejects bids for HS addition
  • Bill’s Coffee And sold to Hidell and Willers
  • O.S. Van Olinda’s History of Vashon-Maury island at State Library
  • Jacobson Shoe Shop sold to Tom Godfrey
  • Town hall meeting held by Chamber of Commerce
  • Fairman Lee heads new school advisory board

November -

  • Election - Island votes for Republicans for US Senate, House and State Senate and House
  • Dockton General Store purchased by William Bell from Klapstein
  • Presbyterian Church Chior sings on KOMO “Voices of the Northwest”
  • Vashon Furniture celebrates first year
  • Roberta Stanley honored for scholastic achievement by UW
  • Kiwanis present Minstrel Show - blackface
  • Piano and Drama recital at Snowden Studio
  • Elliport Heights new houses shone by McNicol and Waterman
  • Holiday House opens

December -

  • Island Newa-Record editorial - Vashon a stepchild to King County - neglected roads and services
  • Snow storm -14 inches of snow - roads and schools closed
  • Dial telephones arrive on Island for first time - Dec 16
  • Junior Class presents “Berkeley Square”
  • Phyllis Brown named Homecoming Queen
  • St. Patrick’s Church dedicated after expansion and remodeling
  • Civil Defense Plan underway
  • Vashon streets decorated by Scouts for Christmas
  • All Island Christmas party a success
  • Heights market and Store destroyed by fire - Dec 21
  • Dial Telephone service begins Dec 15 - 175 lines, 1200 customers
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1951

  • State purchases Puget Sound Navigation ferries for $4.944 million - Black Ball retains Port Angeles-Victoria route and ferries
  • Human remains representing a minimum of one individual were removed from Vashon Island near Judd Creek in King County, WA, by landowner Vernon Lamoreux. The human remains were donated to the Burke Museum in 1951, but were not formally accessioned until 1965 (Burke Accn. 1965-78). No known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects are present.- Based on geographic location and after further review by a University of Washington physical anthropologist, the human remains have been determined to be Native American. Although the cranium is highly fragmented, morphological evidence such as the presence of wormian bones and cranial deformity typical of Native American remains is evident. Vashon Island is within the usual and accustomed territory of the Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation, Washington. The S'Homamish occupied Vashon Island during the mid 1800s. In 1854, George Gibbs identified the Puyallupahmish, T'Kawkamish, and S'Homamish as being from the Puyallup River and Vashon Island area. Under the terms of the Treaty of Medicine Creek, the S'Homamish people were removed to the Puyallup Reservation. Descendants of the S'Homamish are members of the Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation, Washington.
  • Betty MacDonald tried for libel against the Albert Bishop family for depicting them as the Kettles in “The Egg and I” - found not guilty
  • Beall Greenhouses have 10 acres under glass, 42 buildings, shipping 3,00-11,000 roses daily, Three picking daily

January -

  • Puget Sound Power & Light lays 3rd cable from Des Moines to Vashon to improve electricity delivery - three-conductor, rubber insulated, steel armored submarine cable
  • 1950 rainfall 48.67 inches, heaviest in 20 years, Jan 1950 23.5 inches of snow
  • State of Washington purchases Black Ball vessels and facilities - beginnings of WSFS
  • Ferry schedules for Vashon Ferry District change while negotiations with Toll Bridge Authority take place
  • High winds cut ferry service - south end of Island loses power- Harbor Merchantile sign blown off in Burton
  • Vashon Ferry District employees feted at thank you party at Sportsman’s Club

February -

  • Heavy rains cause slides - Betty MacDonald’s house damaged
  • School levy fails - 18-mill special levy for building fund, 7-mill operations levy
  • Ferguson Beall and orchids featured in Tacoma Ledger -

March -

  • Five main roads on Island closed by slides because of heavy rains - Colvos, Manzanita, Cove, Heights Highway, Tahlequah
  • Night emergency phones requested by Chamber

April -

May -

  • Evergreen Trailways schedules 3 round trips per day Burton to Seattle 7 days per week
  • Department of Public Service suspends bus service change because it reduces service by 2 round trips
  • Harvest Festival scheduled for July 27-29

June -

  • June 1 - State of Washington State Ferry System formed - Vashon Ferry District becomes part of State Ferry System - Governor Langlie - State ferries “firm foundation” to plan the bridging of the Sound
  • Geoduck harvest - lowest tides in 16 years
  • TNT article on James and Frank Matsumoto’s 24 acres of Marshall strawberries, Wax Orchard’s Bob Sestrap 240 acre orchard with 10,000 trees, 243 cash crops grown on Island, J. Pierce garlic farm, currants, Woodfin fryer farm with 8,000 New Hamshires

July -

  • Washington State Bow Hunting Tournament
  • Clam digging contest at Tramp Harbor, Portage on low tide July 19
  • Island Harvest Festival - July 25-27 - Coronation Ball, parade, exhibits, field events and water carnival

August -

  • Public Service Commission Oks bus service cuts to 5 round trips from 6 round trips

September -

October -

November -

December -

  • Vashon Taxi Service in 3-foot wide office - Gerry and Bill Reifers
  • Dial telephones for 1,200 users and new 4 digit numbers
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1952

  • “Vashon Island Story” - Chamber of Commerce planning document - envisions growth based on bridge being constructed - need for zoning - estimates population of 40,000-50,000 for Island -
  • Need for parking plan of Vashon Town - “summer residents double population”
  • Concerns about water for development - speculation on source of fresh water: 1. surface water, 2. artesian, 3. from aquifers originating in mountains
  • Chamber of Commerce - “To Build A Better Community” projects 50,000 population will need 12 elementary, 4 junior high, and 3 high schools.- Needs identified: recreation facilities, saltwater parks, playgrounds, community buildings, water, churches, business areas, roads
  • Four ferries serving Vashon: North End - San Mateo, Kehloken, Chetzemoka;- South End - Skansonia
  • Ground Observers Post - air defense volunteers - becomes basis for Air Force troops stationed on Vashon as part of Cold War - 70 volunteers get training
  • Joc Tabor paints mural in Island Theater - Easter Island themed
  • Chamber of Commerce Meeting - 144 of 150 attending “enthusiastically” support bridge construction to Island

April -

  • April 20 - Celebration of new street lighting in Vashon Town

July -

  • Vashon Island Festival - Gold Booster Buttons sold for first time
  • Joe Green wins Clam Digging Contest - 20 lbs of clams in 15 minutes

August -

  • Ground Observer Corps formed on Vashon - one of 19 ground-observer post in King County -

October -

  • South End ferry lost in fog - had to return to Tahlequah until fog cleared

November -

  • 1952 Election - Island votes Republican - For President: Eisenhower (R) 1313, Stevenson (D) 698.- For Governor: Langlie (R) 1336, Mitchell (D) 642
  • Vashon Crossing for Puget Sound Bridge Approved - $82,000 planning funds, 5 year construction, floating bridge from Fauntleroy turns into high rise as it approaches Vashon for passage of ships, super highway across island, suspension bridge across Colvos Passage. 1958 scheduled opening.
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1953

  • Air Defense Battery stationed on Vashon - Battery C, of 513thEnemy Bombers Can Attack America - series of articles about possible Soviet attack -
  • Vashon Island News Record sold to William Orthman and Don Carlock
  • New Vashon Elementary School - named, dedicated and opened
  • Cross-Sound Bridge Bill (HB 386) approved sent to Governor Langlie
  • Vashon Bridge - engineers estimate 3-4 million vehicles in first year, Largest floating structure ever built, 11.666 feet long, estimated cost $100 million,5 years to construct, 300,000 tons of steel.
  • Opposition to Vashon Bridge at public hearing from Port of Seattle, Port ofTacoma, Puget Sound Ship Operators Association, tugboat and towing companies
  • Petition to Incorporate Island - Vashon Businessmen’s Club sponsored - incorporate island as 4th class town, “gain local control”
  • Seattle street numbering system imposed on Island by King County - much controversy - not fully imposed - issue reappears in 1990’s
  • Vashon Island News Record - full page editorial supports Vashon Bridge
  • Magnolia Post Office closes
  • Hebert family turns their boarding house into Island Manor licensed nursing home

February -

  • 76 mph gale strikes island - power out, much wind damage-

April -

  • Judd Creek Bridge dedicated - 3374 foot long - $137,594 - Important part of cross-island highway plans when floating bridge completed - string of “bananas and snowballs” to be cut by dignitaries - symbolize the north-south split of the Island cut by the creek
    April 25 - Judd Creek Bridge opened - ribbon cutting ceremony

May -

  • Dr. F.A. McMurray feted by Islanders for 32 years of service - started Vashon practice August 19. 1921

June -

  • Vashon Island Women’s Club presents annual art exhibit and silver tea

July -

  • Island Festival - July 17-18-19 - Kay Green crowned Queen

September -

  • Ferry Skansonia runs aground at Tahlequah in heavy fog -

November -

  • State Toll Bridge Authority announces Vashon is the first choice for a cross-sound bridge
  • Governor Langlie denies Chamber of Commerce charges about ferry service - Chamber forms committee to address ferry concerns
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1954

  • School Board controversy - incumbents win narrowly against write-ins - issue is way schools are operated
  • Islanders boycott ferry coffee shops when price of cup raised to 15 cents
  • Island Theater under new management - open six days each week, double bills on W-Th-F-Sat
  • Last “log cabin” on main street Vashon moved to make way for new Brenno Service Station
  • School Board controversy - incumbents win narrowly against write-ins - issue is way schools are operated
  • Vashon Bridge gets go-ahead from State Toll Bridge Authority - traffic surveys, Corps of Engineers OK -
  • King County accepts “compromise” street name plan - well know roads remain named
  • Dairy Queen opens in Vashon
  • Islander and News-Record newspapers merge to become Islander News Record
  • Benjamin Wilson, Vashon resident, awarded Congressional Medal of Honor
  • Island Theater sets 3 days for “The Robe” - new wide screen installed
  • Vashon Presbyterian Church celebrates 50th anniversary
  • Kelly’s Department Store opens on Island
  • King County issues Vashon Island Report -Commuters - 11% downtown, 10% Duwamish, 38% Vashon, 4% West Seattle, 37% other areas
    Car Ownership - 83% of families own car, 17% own 2 cars
    Employment - 77% of family head employed, 21% skilled, 8% clerical, 13% semi-skilled, 13% proprietors, 11% farmers, 7% professional, 4% service, Unemployed - 23% - 18% retired, 5% unemployed
    Spending - 38% Vashon, 12% Burton, 4% Center, 2% each Dockton, Cove, Ellisport
    Estimated Population - 4800 -1955, 7400 - 1960, 8620 - 1965, 9900 - 1970 - Maximum Population - 56,000

January -

  • Harlan Rosford buys Island Transit from Trailways - 1941 GMC diesel bus - moves family to Vashon -
  • Civil Defense issues dominate news - preparedness - Cold War
  • Jan. 21 - heavy snow and smashed ferry dock isolate Island - passenger only service - Storm knocks out power to north end.
  • Logging truck rolls cuts power to Ellisport
  • Oliver S. Van Olinda dies at age 85 - moved to Vashon in 1891 - Faculty of Vashon College 1892 - published The Island Home monthly magazine - then Vashon Island Press 1895 to 1897 -1897 moved to Stanwood Press in 1900 - then moved to Coupeville and Island County Times until 1909 - the to Olympia manager of United Wireless office - then moved to Vashon 1910 - published The History of Vashon-Maury Island in 1935

February -

  • King County Planning Commission develops plans for Vashon-maury Island after bridge is constructed - 14 Grammar Schools, 5 Junior High Schools and 4 Senior High Schools - Industrial area on Maury Island - additional business centers - Island Parkway from toll gate at North End to Burton - 3 beach-park areas -
  • Burton Grade School - $275,000 building - 13 classrooms - multipurpose room - kitchen - administrative center

June -

  • June 8 - ferry San Mateo crashes into Fauntleroy Dock - traffic rerouted to Colman Dock
  • Darlene Shride, Vashon resident, named Miss Washington 1954

August -

  • Vashon island Festival August 13-15 - Shirley Raab Queen

October -

  • Burton Elementary School dedicated Oct 10, opened September

 

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1955

  • Youth Activity Center opened
  • Cross-Sound Bridge Threatened - State Ferry System seeking funds to retire bonds, cost will stop bridge project -
  • State of Washington deficit nears $1 billion
  • Betty MacDonald, Island author, moves to 2000 acre ranch in Carmel, California
  • NIKE missile site to be added to Island - part of “Metropolitan Defense Ring” - Ground Observers Corp to be deactivated
  • First and Second grade students get Salk Anti-Polio vaccine
  • 400 new students in schools - “baby boom” - school levies pass 548 to 170
  • Grand Opening of Robinson Furniture in new building
  • 8th Annual Island Festival, July 15-17 - Bonnie Ryan Queen
  • Bill Speidel publishes “You Can’t Eat Mount Rainer”

April -

  • Modern Sewage system installed - result of County Health department survey - found out of 110 properties checked 102 or 98% had faulty septic systems - completion f 4 years planning and 6 months construction

May -

  • Robinson Furniture Grand Opening of new store
  • Nike Base ready for bids -

July -

  • 8th Annual Island Festival, July 15-17 - Bonnie Ryan Queen

September -

  • Nike battalion activated - 433rd Antiaircraft Artillery Missile Battalion - Commanded by Capt. John Adams -

October -

  • Cross Sound Bridge plans shelved - not “dead” but must wait until “financiable” - Governor Langlie

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1956

  • Nike Base established on Vashon Island - Launch site at Paradise Ridge, Operations Center at Sunrise Ridge
  • Vashon State Bank sold to People’s Bank, becomes Vashon Branch
  • Issue over mail labeling - mail addressed Vashon Island returned - soon revised to be sent to Vashon Post Office
  • Ground breaking for new Youth and Community Center
  • Kirschner Fiberglass Plant burned in fire
  • Shopping Center Planned - 20 acres west of town
  • Island begins petition for Colvos Bridge

April -

  • Northwest Airline Stratoliner crashes off Point Robinson - April 2 -31 passengers, 6 crew, 32 rescued. Vashon Islanders in 3 outboard boats first on scene hen Coast Guard rescue boat and plane arrive -- 3 die - 2 missing (Tsui Kinglin,- her son Vee Song Foon 4-years old, Paul Wehrnen, Dr George Hook, David Razey Flight Attendant)
  • Little League Baseball begins on Vashon - Saturday, April 21

May -

  • May 19 Armed Forces Day - both Island military bases hold open house -Battery A - NIKE site - 1.5 miles south of town, Battery C - anti-aircraft site west of town on Beal Road

July -

  • Vashon Island Festival - July 27-29 - Jeanine Thomson, Queen

August -

  • Mr. & Mrs. Eric F Agren donate 30-acre tract to the people of Vashon for a park - named the Harold Agren park in honor of their son Lt. Harold Agren who was captured at the fall of Corregidor in the Phillipines at the beginning of WW II, he died two months later in a Japanese POW camp.

September -

  • Cove Post Office closes September 30 - first opened in March 1904

 

November -

  • Island votes for Eisenhower (R)1291 vs. Stevenson (D) 749
    Senate - Magunson (D) 1049 vs. Langley (R) 556
    Governor - Anderson (R) 1014 vs. Rosillini (D) 1012
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1957

  • Dockton dock removed -
  • Oakwood Terrace - a 16 housing unit for Nike Base personnel constructed
  • Vashon 1500 phones begin using DDD (Direct Distance Dialing)
  • Fire Permits required - except for beach fires, cooking fire, recreational fires, and incinerators
  • School Bond passes - 75% yes vote
  • $30.5 million appropriated for ferry system - nothing for bridge
  • Bill Speidel publishes “Be My Guest”
  • State Toll Bridge Authority chooses West Seattle Vashon route for new bridge, 1963-64 completion date
  • Vashon Pirates end 33 games losing streak - beat Evergreen Woverines 7 - 2
  • Flu closes school for 2 days - 25% absent
  • Puget Sound Power and Light lay 4th cable to Island - Fern Cove to
  • Fragaria 12,500 volt load to Island
  • Contracts for Hood Canal Floating Bridge and Ferry Terminal upgrades
  • Larson Grocery Store in Burton burns - grocery in building since 1924
  • 16 Unit NIKE Housing project begins construction
  • Dispute over use of “KVI Beach” - traditional public access Chamber of Commerce begins “Tackle Speeding” Campaign to reduce Islandspeeding - similar to 2003 “Take the Pledge” Campaign
  • Anti-Aircraft Battery C deactivate - Army moves to missiles
  • Judd Creek planted with salmon eggs by Sportsman’s Club
  • King County buys 200 feet of waterfront at Jensen’s Point for park
  • Island Transit System, Harlan Rosford owner, buys 1948 GMC diesel bus
  • Heberts sell Island manor Nursing Home to Smiths who add new kitchen, dining room, and west wing

January -

  • March of Dimes - Polio Immunization Day -- 827 shots given - January 27

March -

  • Vashon Beachcomber begins publication - John Van Deventer and
    Carl Nelson - March 7

June -

  • Esther Francke killed by- husband shooting at raccoon

July -

  • First Island Outboard Race - begins 4th of July tradition

October -

  • Sputnik -Local “hams” and NIKE Base hear “Russian satellite missile” - Oct 10

November -

  • Yoneichi Matsuda named Conservationist Farmer of the Year by King County Soil Conservation District

December -

  • Dr. Fred A. McMurray died after 2 and - month illness -

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1958

  • Billingsleyite - rare mineral name for Island mining engineer Paul Billingsley who discovered the mineral while working in Utah
  • School Levies pass - 74.4% and 72.8% yes votes
  • Toll Bridge Authority receives engineers report on bridge - $193 million in bonds needed for construction
  • Letters to editor of Beachcomber - bridge will “destroy rural life”
  • Eagles Aerie founded - 86 charter members
  • Vashon has highest percentage of park population per population of any Community in King County
  • Black Bear lassoed while swimming Colvos from Fragara to Cove - Mike Plancich and David Kulusich capture 300 pound black bear - bear drowned in attempted capture -
  • Clara Hellesto - Island Festival Queen
  • Dock worker killed at Fauntleroy when San Mateo rams wing wall - Island ferries shifted to Fauntleroy from Colman dock following construction work
  • Vashon-Maury Grange win State competition with play “The Little Red Schoolhouse.” Written by Ruby Wells
  • Island Nursing Home - originally Ellsworth Ranch - purchased by Exchange Club and donated to Goodwill, 1944 purchased by Herberts as boarding House, 1953 turned into Nursing Home
  • 40th Annual Beulah Park Camp Meeting - since 1918
  • Blake Island purchased by State of Washington as State Park
  • C.L. Garner of Burton has one-man show of historical paintings at Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma
  • Ten Voting Precincts for Vashon-Maury Island
  • Chamber of Commerce drops support of Island Festival -“lack of enthusiasm”
  • Tahlequah changes from 10 party to 5 party phone system
  • Ground Breaking for Kimmel’s Supermarket
  • 500 acre wildfire on Maury - 3 day battle to contain blaze
  • New $3 million ferry Klahowya to be island boat
  • Christian Science Reading Room opens on Vashon
  • State turns Raab’s Lagoon into salmon rearing pond - construct dam
  • Marjesira Inn Store at Magnolia closes
  • Klinker Sand & Gravel C. of Seattle opened slucing operation on Maury Island to furnish materials for construction of the Shilshole Marina breakwater

February -

  • Betty MacDonald, Island author, age 49, dies at her home in California - February 7
  • King Count pledges to support Chamber of Commerce in improving and beautifying Inspiration Point - Bill Beymer and Keith Putnam lead effort

March -

  • Hearing on access to KVI Beach - March 17 - -“living witnesses” confirm Agreement between Ellisport residents and Puget Sound Broadcast
    That radio tower would not interfere with use of the beach

May -

  • May 28 Beachcomber buys Island News Record - last issue of Island News Record May 28, 1958

July -

  • 29 outboard boats compete in Race-Around-the -Island

August -

  • Bill Beymer seeking flat rocks to complete Inspiration Point project - chairman of Chamber of Commerce Special Committee for project

October -

  • New electronic score board installed at high school

 

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1959

  • Vashon Bridge gets support in State Legislature - special consideration promised
  • Lutherans buy church site south of Vashon
  • State Senate approves Vashon Bridge
  • King County and volunteers improve Inspiration Point site
  • State Wildlife plants 213,000 salmon at Raab’s Lagoon
  • Sunrise Easter Service at Inspiration Point - 6 AM
  • Ferry Fares increase - 9% to 33% -$6.60 to $8.80 for weekly daily commuter + car single trip $1.10 to $1.20 10 ride book $8.80 to $9.60
  • Quartermaster Yacht Club dock, float and bulkhead dedicated
  • Kimmel’s Shop-Rite Supermarket Grand Opening - Shopping center east of main street includes bowling alley and Sprouse-Ritze store
  • New Science/Home Economics Building opens at VHS
  • School enrollment 1323 student - largest ever
  • Ferry Skansonia on Tahlequah run rescues deer swimming channel
  • Sprouse-Reitz Variety Store opens in new building in Shop-Rite Plaza
  • Subdivisions appear on Island - Patten’s Pallisades, Gold Beach, Sandy Shores

January -

  • Kimmel’s Supermarket plans opening in May
  • Lavender’s Store Portage closes after 13 years
  • Snow storm - 1/3 of students miss school
  • Three house fires
  • Vashon Town merchants oppose move of Post Office to new location of main street
  • Vashon Bank announces plan to build new building and add parking lot
  • Third sheriff’s deputy added to island - Burton Library opens for first time in 2 years

February -

  • Nanci Hertzog wins women’s bowling title
  • Heavy wet snowstorm - - of island loses power
  • Roger Meredith appointed to Annapolis by Congressman Magnusson
  • Cross Sound Bridge considered in state House of Representatives
  • Schools to drop drivers training

March -

  • Ellisport moves to 5-party phone system
  • Renovated Burton Dance hall renamed Tides Inn
  • State plants 23,00 chinook in Raab’s Lagoon
  • Vashon Toastmasters receive charter
  • Cross Sound Bridge fails vote in state Senate
  • Body of Ballard fireman found near Standard Oil Dock

April -

  • -Ferry Fares increase - 9% to 33% - $6.60 to $8.80 for weekly daily commuter + car single trip $1.10 to $1.20 10 ride book $8.80 to $9.60
  • - Sunrise Easter Service at Inspiration Point - 6 AM-
  • Beall Greenhouse Co. has 50 greenhouses on Vashon and 25 in Palo Alto, C, plus a wholesale house in Seattle -

May -

  • Community Players present play “Savage”
  • The Alibi granted Cass H permit to serve cocktails beginning in June
  • School levy approved with 746 votes
  • Heights Water plans 100,000 gallon tank
  • Youth center re-opens - 126 atten “Kick-off Hop”
  • Gene Autry purchases KVI radio

June -

  • Vashon High School graduated 58 students
  • Myrtle Walls named Juvenile Member of the Year by Grange
  • Mary Parker drowns in fall from ferry during Kiwanis special cruise
  • Helen Frederick opens 2nd realty office at Jack’s Corner

July -

  • Kimmel’s Shop-Rite Supermarket Grand Opening - Shopping center east of mainstreet includes bowling alley and Sprouse-Ritze store
    - Sprouse-Reitz Variety Store opens in new building in Shop-Rite Plaza
  • Beach Shanty bar opens in The Alibi restaurant
  • Vashon Town intersection gets real traffic light
  • Coffee And at north end dock purchased and renamed the Tally Ho

August -

  • Garage fire, Ed Cooper and Bobby Ericks burned
  • Eagles sponsor dinner to benefit Cemetery Association
  • Lewis Jones wins around Vashon boat race, Dick Beymer second
  • 200 attend charity event to raise money for Vashon Town streetlights
  • Zoning granted to build Shop-Rite next to Kimmels new store
  • Car crash on Morgan Hill - 2 injured

September -

  • School enrollment in Island schools1323 student - largest ever
  • New science and home economics building opened at VHS
  • Vashon-Maury Grange wins Safety Award
  • Property value increases gives schools an additional $10,000
  • Fireman’s Ball raises $1,800 to pay off ambulance

October -

  • 78,000 salmon fingerlings planted in Raab’s Lagoon
  • Hazel Patten opens Patten’s Realty
  • Streetlights turned on for Hallowe

November -

  • Five Islanders play with Bremerton Symphony - began in 1955
  • C. Henry Nordstrom becomes Chamber of Commerce President
  • 3,000 visitors at Beall Greenhouses - Horticultural Flower Week 500
    visitors to Wax Orchard Nursery
  • Chris Cresilius talks about starting Olympic Instruments
  • Photo story on "Lokie" only Vashon railroad locomotive - owned by Hilmar Steen 1907
  • Vashon win over Yelm 32-6 - become league football champions
  • Judge Don Bowen - hear 300 cases each year - "informal justice"
  • Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry carry 29,049 vehicles per month
  • Vashon beats Orting 40-0 - undefeated football season
  • Eagles purchase old Charlie Battery mess hall + 2 acres for Eagles Aerie
  • UGN Drive near goal of $5,259-

December -

  • Beautification Committee installs 4x4 tourist information signs at ferry terminals
  • Paradise Valley - loose dogs kill sheep and chickens-
  • Two island boatbuilders at Seattle Boat Show - Larsen Marine and Remart Marine
  • Saturday matinees ended at Vashon Theatre - poor attendance
  • Christmas in Song and Verse - schedule of school and church Christmas programs
  • Maury Island Holly - selling holly wreaths
  • High winds cut power to south end of island
  • November rain 8" above average
  • Brunswick Co leases Burton High School - employees 30 producing BOMARC nose cones
  • Thriftway - Associated Grocers plan second supermarket on Vashon
  • Lamprey taken from a salmon in QM harbor
  • Bill McGill to head march of Dimes
  • Vashon joins new 6 school Cross Sound League
  • Fire destroys Hoshi's home on north end of Vashon