Overview of the Collection
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Repository Name:
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Museum of History &
Industry
Sophie Frye Bass
Library
2700 24th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206-324-1126
URL: http://www.seattlehistory.org
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Collection Number:
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1995.37
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Creator:
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McCurdy,
James G., 1923-
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Title:
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James G. McCurdy II
Photographs and Other Material
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Dates:
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1889-1943 (inclusive)
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Quantity:
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1 box
1 linear foot
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Languages:
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Collection materials are in
English.
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Summary:
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Photographs and publications related to
the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in Seattle.
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Location of Collection:
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13b.3.5
Library Annex, VII.b.2 (oversize)
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Biographical Note
James G. McCurdy II was born in Seattle in 1923. He was a star
football player at the University of Washington and went on to become chairman
of the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company. His father, Horace Winslow
("H.W.") McCurdy (1899-1989), had earlier served as president and general
manager of the company. Both McCurdys had a lifelong interest in maritime
history.
Historical Note
Founded in 1889, the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company was
destined to become one of Seattle's most important companies. Whether under the
title Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company or Lockheed Shipbuilding and
Construction Company, their hand can be seen in most major construction sites
in the Pacific Northwest including Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Idaho,
Oregon and California. In addition, they are responsible for many ships,
including some of the Washington State ferries and many naval vessels during
and after World War II.
Some of the highlights in the history of this company include:
- 1909-1910
- Hydraulic Dredges construct Harbor Island, the largest
man-made island for thirty-five years--second now only to Treasure Island in
San Francisco. Harbor Island was the site of the company since the
thirties.
- 1924
- The Dexter Horton Building was constructed in Seattle. At
fourteen stories, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the United
States west of Chicago.
- 1927
- A steel cantilever bridge was constructed over the Snake
River at Twin Falls, Idaho.
- 1939
- Construction began on the Lake Washington Floating
Bridge.
- WWII
- WWII provided a boom in contracts for the company with the
Navy. In conjunction with their Canadian affiliate, the British Columbia Bridge
and Dredging Company, they constructed Naval bases in Alaska at Sitka, Dutch
Harbor and Kodiak. In addition the BCB & D built a Point of Embarkation at
Prince Rupert for the Army.
Eighty-two ships were constructed for the Navy
as well, with a record fifteen (five of three different types) ships being
delivered in one day.
- 1959
- Company purchased by Lockheed.
More recent projects include the Grand Coulee Dam, much of the
Interstate 5 bridges and roadways through Seattle, and the San Fernando Tunnel
in California. They have continued to build ships ranging from dredges, tugs
and ferries to mine sweepers, ice breakers and guided missile frigates, mostly
for the Navy, Coast Guard and the states of Washington and Alaska.
Content Description
The collection consists primarily of materials related to the Puget
Sound Bridge and Dredging Company. It includes industry publications as well as
photographs of projects and employees. There are several articles and pamphlets
about the Lake Washington floating bridge, which was constructed by the
company. The collection also includes several sets of photos of employee
activities and parties.
Arrangement
Oversized materials are stored apart from the rest of the collection
and are described separately below.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information The collection was donated by James G. McCurdy II in 1995.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access The collection is open to the public by appointment.
Restrictions on Use The Museum of History & Industry is the owner of the materials in
the Sophie Frye Bass Library and makes available reproductions for research,
publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from MOHAI
before any reproduction use. The museum does not necessarily hold copyright to
all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may
require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.
Preferred Citation James G. McCurdy II Photographs and Other Material, Museum of History
& Industry, Seattle
Subjects
| Puget Sound
Bridge and Dredging Co. -- Photographs |
| Photographic
prints |
| Dredging |
| Shipbuilding -- Washington
(State) -- Photographs |
Detailed Description of the Collection
Description
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1995.37.9:
Pacific
Builder and Engineer magazine
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1995.37.10:
Lake Washington Floating Bridge
materials (article from Civil Engineering
magazine, 3 pamphlets)
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1995.37.11:
Pioneering in
Hydraulic Engineering book, compiled by N.C. Wilson
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1995.37.12:
Hydraulic
Dredging Since 1899 book, Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company
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1995.37.13:
Railway and
Marine News magazines
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1995.37.14:
Mercer Island Club Annual Yearbook
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1995.37.15:
Photos (5" x 7"): Halloween party
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1995.37.16:
Photos (5" x 7"): Christmas and
birthday parties
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1995.37.17:
Photos (8" x 10"): Employees
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1995.37.18:
Photo (7 1/2" x 11 1/2"): King
County Courthouse
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1995.37.19:
Photo albums: Puget Sound Bridge
& Dredging Co. projects including Harbor Island, University of Washington
stadium, Smith Cove, shipbuilding
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1995.37.20:
Photo album: Associated
Shipbuilders employee activities/parties
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1995.37.21:
Photo album: bridges, dredges,
boats
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1995.37.23:
Webster-Brinkley Co. data sheets
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1995.37.24:
Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging
Co. publications
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1995.37.25:
Bruneau project, Mountain Home,
Idaho
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1995.37.26:
Water supply study, Twin Falls,
Idaho
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1995.37.2:
Photograph (14" x 46") of four
wooden ships being built at shipyard
Boland of
Tacoma
oversize
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1995.37.1:
Photograph (8 3/4" x 36") of dredge
OAKLAND dredging tidal basin in Oakland, California -- San Francisco Bridge Co.
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1995.37.3:
Photograph (16" x 20", mounted) of
Lake Washington Floating Concrete Bridge -- Pontoon Bridge Builders
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1995.37.4:
Photograph (8 1/2" x 16") of Idaho
Falls Jerome Bridge
Jacoby, Twin
Falls
oversize
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1995.37.5:
Photograph (9 1/4" x 21") of steam
dredge PORTLAND
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1995.37.6:
Photograph (9 1/4" x 21") of steam
dredge TACOMA
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1995.37.7:
Photograph (20" x 24", mounted) of
Skagway Steel Arch, White Pass and Yukon Railway -- built by Puget Sound Bridge
& Dredging Co.
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1995.37.8:
Photograph (20" x 24", mounted) of
dredge PUGET SOUND, Lake Washington Ship Canal
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1995.37.22:
Photograph (10" x 13.5", mounted)
of group at banquet
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