A South Sound history through words and pictures
100 YEARS AGO TODAY: JULY 20, 1912
Fire originating in some unknown manner, and which might have caused a serious loss of life but for the quick work of Patrolman James Tallant of the Tacoma Police Department, early this morning practically destroyed the main building of the Massasoit hotel, an old Tacoma landmark at 17th and C streets. The loss is estimated at $5,000 and is partially covered by insurance.
75 YEARS AGO TODAY: JULY 20, 1937
Everything is in readiness for the big News Tribune-Chevrolet Soap Box Derby, Saturday at 1 p.m. at South 25th and Yakima. Boys who have signed up for the big race are requested to bring their racers to the race course Friday morning at 10 o’clock for inspection and judging.
50 YEARS AGO TODAY: JULY 20, 1962
Mayor Harold Tollefson made a “bended knee” plea to the Utility Board last night for City Light to aid the barren general fund by taking over the lighting of city streets. The board, however, appeared to rally around member E.K. Murray’s exposition of the philosophy that City Light should do no more or less for the general fund that it would if privately owned. And this would mean no subsidizing of the city’s street lighting program, which this year will cost the general fund about $97,000 for energy and $140,000 for maintenance.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.