100 YEARS AGO TODAY
March 1, 1913
Building permits and bank clearings, the two unfailing barometers of civic prosperity, show that Tacoma is still continuing the steady march that has made her the envy of many other northwestern communities. Total bank clearings for February of this year were nearly 350,000 more than for February of 1912. Business men today said that when it is taken into consideration that the approaching change in presidential administration, and the Mexican troubles have done much to retard financial activity, this showing is excellent.
50 YEARS AGO TODAY
March 1, 1963
March came in on a rain squall today, but spring surely must be just around the corner. Two bluebirds, sure harbingers of spring, are at the home of Mrs. Andy Franich, 1909 Military Road E. And it is the earliest she remembers seeing them. “Bluebirds come here every year,” she said. “My husband built a birdhouse to encourage them, but in the past the swallows have always moved in first.” This year the bluebirds beat the swallows.
25 YEARS AGO TODAY
March 1, 1988
A barge filled with 378,000 gallons of thick bunker oil sank in Rosario Strait four miles west of Anacortes recently and a leak was detected after an oil sheen covered the water, authorities said. Roy Compton of the Coast Guard said the initial sheen was from “less than 1,000 gallons” of lubricating oil and other petroleum products that had been on the deck of the Olympic Tug and Barge vessel. Murky water and strong currents prevented divers from determining the extent of a bunker oil leak that was detected in the late afternoon, and a more sophisticated diving team was summoned, said Bruce Pimental of the Coast Guard.
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