The
Lost archives Photos from the Mason County Journal
Page C-2 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
Look what we found in the attic
I
n the dusty attic of the Mason County Journal, between old 10cent newspaper boxes and spare press parts, and buried under a pile of electrical fixtures, we found two boxes. Or rather, Russ Gearhart, our incredibly resourceful and dedicated delivery driver, found a long-forgotten stash of negatives from the 1950s and 60s and pulled them from the dark recess where they languished for more than four decades. Russ, thank you!
We, of course, were excited to find this well-preserved stash of high-quality, large format negatives and none more so than our office manager and lifelong Mason county resident Donna Kinnaird. But even then, we didn’t really understand the treasure we had uncovered. As we quickly discovered, the unfolding portrait of life in the community in the 1950s and 1960s is stunning. It’s so impressive, in fact, that we put together this special section to share some of our initial findings. You may recognize people you know, family members, or even yourself.
Journal photo by Tom Hyde
Mason County Journal delivery driver Russ Gearhart found boxes of well-preserved and marked negatives from the 1950s and 1960s in the newspaper’s attic. Certainly longtime residents of a certain age will remember the Dairy Queen “Dilly Bar wagon.” Many of these photos are exceptional because they go well beyond our expectations. Sure, there are many of the standard “picket fences” of people standing before the camera as one might expect, and a fair share of the ubiquitous “grip and grin” shots, but interspersed between the staring faces of those lined up as if ready for an execution at dawn are slices of life. These photos are real life – a girl putting on skates at the roller rink, a woman feeding a black bear, the crew at the famous Manley’s on Cota Street, and three friends who drove through town with the cougar they had killed tied to the hood
of their car. To us, this is real treasure. Clearly, all the photos have historical significance but some transcend the mundane. It’s a reminder to us, in the here and now, that the best photos for the newspaper are the slices of life that show the true character of the community. We continue to strive for that level of storytelling in our photography. As Donna began to sort through the envelopes, the entire staff would hear exclamations from the back room. The allure of finding hidden treasure in the archive became too much to resist. Many of us delved into the dusty envelopes. But for Donna, especially, these brief moments in time were personal as we expect they will be for many of you.
“We’ve got a real find here,” she said, pulling out a negative showing the children playing in the yard at the Camp Grisdale schoolhouse, site of the last livein logging camp in the continental states, where Donna attended first grade. We’re saving that one, and many others, for a future issue of the lost archives. We offer this brief portrait of the community in the bustling decades of the 1950s and 1960s. We hope you will let us know if this strikes a chord with you or if you have stories beyond the brief captions we found in the newspapers, or any other tidbits you care to share. We are especially interested if you find yourself in one of these photos. Please feel free to send us your thoughts at letters@masoncounty.com. We continue to explore, catalog and digitize this lost archive. You might want to check your own attic to see what treasures await. Tom Hyde Publisher
ON THE COVER: Jim Shrum, printer and pressman for the Journal starting in 1946, work in the newspaper’s old offices at 107 S. Fourth St. in this Oct. 29, 1959 file photo. The Lost Archives compiled by: Donna Kinnaird Amanda Strand Tom Hyde Adam Rudnick
SINCE 1962
MILES
The newspaper ad is from an ad that ran in October 4, 1962 edition of the Shelton-Mason County Journal.
SAND & GRAVEL COMPANY 75 years of foundations for home and industry throughout Western Washington
Retail and Contractor Aggregates Drain Rock River Rock Crushed Rock, Decorative Rock, and Sand Prompt and Affordable Delivery
Miles Sand and Gravel Company
is proud to be part of creating a lasting, powerful future for Mason County and beyond by providing concrete & aggregates for home and industry.
920 Railroad Avenue • (360) 426-2646 Vince Himlie, Designated Broker
22821
23291
3100 W. Franklin St. / Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 426-3344
WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE / HIMLIE, INC.
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-3
ABOVE: Sixty-three years of marriage earned for Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ryan of Hoodsport the fine new General Electric swivel-top vacuum cleaner sandwiched between them in the picture above. The award was made by Timer Appliance as a Valentine Day promotion. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan were married July 14, 1894 in Kearney, Nebraska. He was 91, she was 81 years old. (Journal file photo/February 1956) AT LEFT: James West takes time out from his favorite pastime of reading to give credit to a strong constitution for his long years of life. West, who lived on a pension in his own small house on the Skokomish Valley Road, was slated to turn 101. He was a former sailor, trapper and logger. He said he had never been one to turn down a drink and had used tobacco since he was 14. But he didn’t recommend such habits to persons with weak constitutions. He was a Republican, and said he would vote for Ike in November. On his lap were new electric clippers, bought, he said, in protest against the price of haircuts. (Journal file photo/September 1956) BOTTOM: The Shelton Accordion band was slated to perform at the regular meeting of the Lincoln-Evergreen School Parent-Teacher Association in the Evergreen School. The band is under direction of John Halvorsen. Pictured, front row seated, from left, Barbara Johnson, Francis Demon, Claude Cook and Yvonne Scoffield; second row, Halvorsen, Mrs. Williams, Harold Charlson, Sandra Esary, Donna Scoffield and Judy Solley; and back row, Joan McClanahan, Arlene Morken, Patsy Workman, Brenda Tindall and John Arnold. (Journal file photo/March 1956)
Page C-4 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
Hundreds of young people from Mason County thronged the age-group activities arranged by the Shelton Moose Lodge and other groups for Halloween Youth Honor Day on Oct. 31. Kay Pearson puts on skates at the Shelton Roller Arena. Some 275 youngsters were treated to the Melody Theater; 230, skating in the Roller Arena, and 280, dancing at the airport. (Journal file photo/ October 1955)
Delectable Foods with an Asian Twist
There’s GOLD in that thar mud... delicious gold!
“Specializing In Fresh Daily Northwest Shellfish” Reservations Recommended
FRESH DAILY
Award-winning, nationally known Chef Xinh Dwelley
• Half Shell Oysters • Oysters for BBQ • Shucked Oyster Meats • Manila Clams • Mediterranean Mussels • Geoduck • Smoked Salmon & Oysters • Shrimp (frozen) • Live Dungeness Crab
This photo of Xinh and Julia Child appeared in the 1991 Mason County Visitors Guide.
Jonathan Swift is quoted as having said, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” But evidence of oyster consumption goes back into prehistory. Our family has been growing shellfish in the bays and inlets of Puget Sound in Washington for over 100 years. Our farms are in some of the most beautiful and nutrient-rich tidelands in the world where clean, clear waters provide the environment for growing some of the most bountiful and flavorful shellfish harvests to be found anywhere. We have farms and nurseries in Washington, British Columbia, California, a hatchery in Hawaii, a black pearl farm in Fiji, Fanny Bay Oysters in Canada, and Taylor Fine Foods in Hong Kong.
Open 5pm to 9pm Thurs, Fri, Sat
221 West Railroad Avenue, Suite D Shelton • 360-427-8709
22641
Featuring FRESH LOCAL Seafood from Taylor Shellfish Farms Retail Store Open daily 10-6
(360) 432-3300
130 SE Lynch Road Shelton, WA
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-5
Helping ease downtown traffic congestion in Shelton is a new stop light at First and Cota streets installed by the city. The new light allowed traffic coming off Cota to enter First at regular intervals. The light was timed with the stop and go operations of the one at First and Railroad Avenue. Police officer Richard Nelson, on traffic duty, checks the effect of the new light on its second day of its installation. (Journal file photo/ May 1956)
Hot Eats, Cool Treats & Great Memories!
Then
Now Dairy Queen™ has been an American favorite for generations. We’re still serving delicious treats for the whole family!
Rod Olsen Sr. Ole Olsen, Founder
Rod Olsen Jr.
Thank you for continuing to shop local with the third generation at Olsen’s! • Friendly Service • Brand Name Selection
We know our customers and they know us... Serving Mason County and beyond since 1936 This ad appeared in the March 17, 1958 edition of the Mason County Journal
223 North 1st Street Shelton (360) 426-7277 23292
21 NE State Rt. 300 Belfair (360) 552-2222
A Large Store with Small Prices! 79 Years in Shelton • Same Family Ownership • Fine Furniture for Your Home
414 Franklin, Downtown Shelton • 360•426•4702 OPEN Mon-Fri 9:00-5:30 • Sat 10-5:30 • Closed Sunday
23289
Shelton’s Mattress Center
Page C-6 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
Learning the careful use of firearms, members of the Junior Deputy Sheriffs League are instructed by Chief Deputy Sheriff Mel Robertson at the Shelton Armory rifle range. Richerard Putvin holds the pistol. Among the boys attending the outing were: Stephen Robertson, Ralph Saeger, Kenneth Vanderwal, David Robertson, Lester Sytsma, Henry Rose, Bill Potter, Dwight Spilseth and Corky Peterson. (Journal file photo/January 1956)
All because of a vision... Since December 3, 1941, we have remained true to our roots.
MORTGAGE | INVESTMENTS | BANKING
800.426.5657
www.ourcu.com
Serving Shelton, Union, McCleary, Elma, Montesano and Vashon
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-7
ABOVE: An attraction for passersby was the moving van truck-trailer that had overturned and then caught fire 8 miles south of Shelton on Highway 101. The driver and his relief man escaped injury. A fire truck, en route to the scene, overturned on the Lynch Road. (Journal file photo/February 1956) AT LEFT: The first fire hydrants in the history of rural Mason County have been installed on the North Shore road near Belfair. The hydrants are part of the new water system for some 52 homesites in a half mile area. The system is known as the Clifton Beach Tracts Water Assn. The water line work was accomplished by Griffey Bros. and Frank DeMiero, brother of Belfair Fire Chief Bill DeMiero. Shown above, in front, trying out one of the new hydrants with Belfair fire department equipment, is fireman Frank DeMiero. The hydrants will mean firemen no longer will have to depend on the Canal (with its tide changes) for water to cope with fires. (Journal file photo/March 1957) BELOW LEFT: Flames spread from garage to home at 805 ½ Railroad Avenue. The fire presumably started by someone working on a car. City fire department estimated total damage to garage and partially ruined house at $1,400. (Journal file photo/June 1956)
Page C-8 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
A Cushman scooter pick-up carrying Dairy Queen ice cream products was to become a familiar sight in Shelton residential districts in the summer. Pat Getty, proprietor of the Dairy Queen store at First and Cedar streets, established the street service route for the convenience of Dairy Queen customers. The driver of the route scooter was to be Dick Edwards, a junior at Irene S. Reed High School. (Journal file photo/June 1960)
MASON COUNTY PICTORIAL
32
This hardcover book showcases the photography of four of Mason County’s professional photographers from 1886 to the mid-1960s. The Historical Society sorted through their thousands of photos from Grant Angle, W.S. Heckman, George Andrews and
Dean Palmer and chose some of our favorites. These images tell our history, supported with detailed captions. This book is a must have for anybody who enjoys photography or has any interest in this area.
427 W. RAILROAD AVE. SHELTON WA 98584 MASONCOUNTYHISTORICALSOCIETY.ORG
(360) 426-1020
23286
$
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-9
AT LEFT: An outing in the snow is enjoyed by Mrs. Lorraine Edmiston and daughter, Vickie, 5, background, and Mrs. Beth Simmons and daughter, Sheila, 7, on Railroad Avenue in Shelton. (Journal file photo/February 1957)
AT RIGHT: Forest Festival parades are old stuff to these three veterans of festival doings, but this was the first time any of them had actually ridden in the Paul Bunyan Parade. Heretofore they’ve been too busy, but after 10 years of leadership Rudy Werberger, festival association president for 10 years, Ed Faubert, parade chairman for the same period, and Roy Kimbel (driving the 1918 ‘Lizzie’) the only chairman the loggers sports show has ever had, took time off to ‘tour the course’ in the 11th year of the festival to the thunderous ovation of the huge crowd. (Journal file photo/May 1955)
AUTO REPAIR & TOWING s ’ Jim Since 1978 Quality Insurance Products Since1890 www.angleagency.com
Jim McCabe began his towing and auto repair business in 1978. Above: Jim with his first tow truck, “Animal.”
service
Taking Care of You Then... Today, Jim’s Auto Repair and Towing has grown, and our team continues to serve Mason County and surrounding areas with the professionalism and experience our customers expect.
...and Now
Need a tow? Need auto repair? Call Jim’s!
401 W. Railroad Ave • Shelton, WA
22822
Call us at (360) 426-8272 23272
(360) 426-7167 • 1-800-675-7167 2911 E. Brockdale Road • Shelton
Photo Courtesy of Mason County Historical Society
Page C-10 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
AT LEFT: No wonder Joe, 9, and John, 2 1/2, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Gruver, are big, strong lads for their ages. Mom and Pop, who are sitting beside them, say they eat like that at home too. The victuals took place at the Kiwanis Club hotcake and waffle breakfast in Kneeland Park, where the Gruvers were among more than 800 persons who enjoyed good food in an outdoor setting and at the same time aided the community free swimming and life-saving program. The Kiwanis Club underwrites part of the aquatic program and finances its part by this annual breakfast. Ticket sales chairman Kurt Mann reported at the club’s luncheon that $767 was in with a number of tickets still unaccounted for. (Journal file photo/July 1956) BELOW: The big and the little of Shelton’s Peewee Baseball program were represented in the three youngsters shown here. John Lloyd Miller, 9, just out of the third grade, plays ‘just about everything’ despite his diminutive stature. He just barely tops the bats he has to swing. Topping him on either side are Clay Schmidt, 11, on the left, and Jimmy Hilderman, 12, on the right. Clay, like little John, is a versatile performer, but Jim likes catching best. John was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Miller, 1325 Railroad; Clay of Mr. and Mrs. Max Schmidt Jr., 1223 S. 7th; Jim of Mr. and Mrs. Heinie Hilderman, 325 S. 5th. (Journal file photo/July 1956)
Office Design by Mother Nature
23275
Celebrating 125 years in Mason County - 1890-2015
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-11
The Last Steam Trip
A masked hobo sits at left on front of the old Nine-Spot, Simpson’s last main-line steam locomotive, which made its final run in summer 1956 going to Camp Grisdale at the head of ‘farewell to steam’ excursion, which also celebrated the camp’s 10th anniversary. The hobo wandered around the railroad tracks in Shelton, getting “his” picture taken with the old train and new diesels. A well-guarded secret was the hobo’s identity — Mrs. Wilbur Cumming, wife of a veteran logging railroad man. (Journal file photo/August 1956)
Steam era becomes history
Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from a story in the Aug. 23, 1956, issue of the Mason County Journal detailing the last steam engine ride on the Simpson Logging Co. railroad.
Take the words of a man they call Bud and rearrange them as a tribute to the ugly, wonderful, brave little engine that puffed its
last steam Saturday for the Simpson railroad: “It’s going to leave us for a better logging show.” At the head of a “Farewell to Steam” excursion, the stout, scrappy Nine-Spot performed its last act as faithfully as it had hauled logs since 1910. Saluted by the diesels that take its place on the tracks but never in the hearts of the men
who know, the little lokie started out Saturday afternoon for Camp Grisdale. Aboard were more than 250 guests and officials of Simpson Logging company. And among them were the brownfaced, wiry veterans of many years on Mason county’s storied railroads. As it had for more than 40 years, the Nine-Spot arrived on time,
both coming and going, at the head of the train. And when it was back in Shelton and the passengers and crew had faded, it was all alone, at the end of its greatest day. But Saturday, August 18, 1956, won’t be forgotten quickly by persons privileged to make the last steam run and to pay birthday respects to Camp Grisdale, now going on its 11th year.
More than 250 guests of Simpson Logging Company assembled at the Shelton rail yard for a trip to Camp Grisdale on a train pulled by the firm’s last mainline steam lokie. At left are four diesels, named for cities in Simpson’s Shelton Working Circles. Dedication of the diesels was combined with ceremonies at Grisdale honoring the camps 10th anniversary. (Journal file photo/August 1956)
Page C-12 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
ABOVE: ‘It’s easy when you know how’ quips Genial George Valley, pictured at left above with the 20-pound steelhead he out scrambled on the Satsop. George is flanked by one of the Jones boys who claimed half the limit catch of ironhead beached on a float trip. (Journal file photo/February 1956) AT LEFT: A playful bear cub, 6 months old, owned by Leo Nelson, Kamilche, gets a treat from Kay Combs, a visitor at the Nelson home. The female bear was nursed back to health after she was brought in ill condition to the Nelson household. (Journal file photo/ September 1956)
Celebrating 20 Years!
From the May 28, 1964 edition of the Mason County Journal Grand Opening of the Skyline Drive In.
From the grateful staff at the Optical Shop of Wa., Inc. to our families, friends, patients and community, Thank You for allowing us to support and care for your vision needs! As we celebrate our youthful years, we are committed to continuing our education to attain and preserve our patientsʼ clearest and most comfortable vision for another 20+ years. To show our appreciation we will offer specials throughout the year. In June, our birthday month, we will celebrate by supporting YOUR favorite local charities.*
Come in and say “hello” and let us help you with any questions, concerns, or adjustments.
Again, from the Optical Shop of Wa., Inc. to you, THANK YOU!
Optical Shop of Washington 2026 Olympic Hwy. N. • Ste. 102 Shelton
360.427.7553
* Restrictions Apply
Shelton Cinemas opened August 26, 1984.
Skyline Drive-In 182 SE Brewer Rd. • Shelton 24 Hour Movie Info (360) 426-4707 www.SkyLineDrive-In.com
SHELTON CINEMAS 517 Franklin St. • Shelton (Across from Safeway) 24 Hour Movie Info (360) 426-1000 www.sheltoncinemas.com
23293
23287
Our special for February will feature our newest frame line “Ziggy” at 25% off.*
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-13
ABOVE: In important resaw operations in Reed Mill 1, the final stage for logs prior to planing, Joe Glassey, front, and George DeVries line up lumber, with Bill Teeters, in back, as resaw operator. (Journal file photo/May 1955) ABOVE RIGHT: This 11 1/2-foot shark, weighing more than 500 pounds, was captured at Grapeview by three teenage youths. Larry Etherton, far right, threw a spear that hit a shark. Mike Zelenak, left, and Bill Challender, center, rowed boat to shore after Larry ‘harpooned’ the fish, identified by State Fisheries Department as either mud shark or basking shark. It is shown hanging on ton block and tackle from Stretch Island Bridge. (Journal file photo/June 1956) AT RIGHT: Superintendent Rudy Schwab of the Hood Canal state fisheries hatchery at Hoodsport works in his ‘Frankenstein room’ — the place where Utah brine shrimp eggs are being hatched as feed for young pink salmon. Great success with the shrimp as a diet for the food-fussy pinks has been achieved in present and past experiments. Jugs contain salted tap water. Air is blown into the warm water to keep the shrimp eggs circulating and alive. A new batch of shrimp was hatched every 48 hours. (Journal file photo/ March 1956)
Looking back ...
This advertisement appeared in the Journal in 1994.
Shelton John L. Scott office, serving Mason County Since 1993 306 W. Railroad Ave. in Shelton 360-426-3319 Fax 360-427-8649 www.johnlscottshelton.com
22820
Kristy Buck Owner, Managing Broker
Page C-14 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015
Three Mason County youths pose with the cougar they killed on Big Creek near Lake Cushman. The big cat, which they described as about ‘average’ size, attracted quite a lot of attention when they came into town with it tied on the hood of a car. The hunters, from left, were Bruce Combs, Dwayne Gallagher and Denny Gallagher. (Journal file photo/ February 1963)
Creekside Antiques Antiquing since the '70s
Buying Quality Coins, Gold & Silver, Antiques & Collectibles
Creekside Antiques George & Cheryl Kimbel, proprietors Tues-Sat 10:30 AM to 5 PM email: crksideantiques@gmail.com Located Downtown across from the Locomotive 209 West Railroad Avenue, Shelton, WA 98584
23295
(360) 490-0376
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 - Mason County Journal - Page C-15
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Irene Moffatt, Ruth Moffatt (peeking around sister’s shoulder), Thelma Montreuil, Jack Manley, Vi Manley and Grace Playter sit at Manley’s Fountain Lunch in on Cota Street in downtown Shelton. Top-scotch sundae made with old-fashioned butterscotch flavor with chopped walnut topping was available for 20 cents, a regular 40cent value, on each Friday and Saturday until Christmas 1955. (Journal file photo/ December 1955)
Serving Mason County
SINCE 1957
Many of you know these young men who still live in your community. EFI continues to serve men and women with disabilities in Mason and Thurston Counties. We appreciate the support we receive from our neighbors and look forward to building stronger partnerships within Mason County.
Creating Life Opportunities
Thank you to everyone who came to our Chamber After Hours Jan. 14th
Serving Mason & Thurston Counties • EFI is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
23296
2009 W. Railroad Ave., Shelton WA 98584 360-426-0077 www.TEAM-EFI.org
Page C-16 - Mason County Journal - Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015