A South Sound history through words and pictures
100 YEARS AGO TODAY: OCT. 22, 1912
Water in torrents, as a result of the rain of the last few days, has caused a delay in the building operations at the Green River headworks. A large retaining wall on the intake side of the stream has been completed, and the commissioner of light and water plans to have an apron constructed below the dam as soon as the water is low enough to make it possible. The rains quickly brought the river up to a height that makes such work impossible at present, according to Commissioner Lawson. The precipitation also has stopped work on the “glory hole” retaining wall. The water is said to be pouring down the steep incline at this place in great streams, but the work already has progressed to such an extent that the engineers declare all danger of a slide has been removed.
75 YEARS AGO TODAY: OCT. 22, 1937
Peter A. Kennedy, 72, who from his little house beside the road had been guarding traffic at the railroad crossing at South 17th and Pacific for the past 19 years, died suddenly when he suffered a heart attack while walking along Center Street. Mr. Kennedy, who had been a flagman for the Northern Pacific Railway company since 1918, was found lying in front of 611 Center St. about 6 p.m. and was pronounced dead upon arrival at St. Joseph Hospital, where he was taken by ambulance. Since 1918, when horses were not entirely a novelty on Tacoma streets, Mr. Kennedy had kept vigil at the crossing during his working hours, carrying his stop sign into the street every time the bell sounded marking the approach of a train, switch engine or speeder.
50 YEARS AGO TODAY: OCT. 22, 1962
Successful beyond expectation, the Seattle World’s Fair passed into history today and left as part of its legacy a $50 million Civic Center and a gleaming white-arched Science Museum. The 10 millionth ticket, counting several hundred thousand sold in advance that weren’t used, was sold about eight hours before the gates closed for the last time.
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