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Veterans HospitalCelebrates 90 Years
of ServiceInformation compiled from a 30-page
history of the American Lake VAHospital, by Gary Reese and Frank
Jackson, in the Tacoma Public Library’sNorthwest Room archives.
By Nancy Covert
Seventy-five years after Capt.Charles Wilkes led his marinesin a celebration of the firstAmerican Fourth of July on theplains of American Lake, knownthen by its Native American nameof Spotsith, a group of 150Tacoma businessmen presenteda petition to the Board of PierceCounty Commissioners askingthem to call a special election to
authorize the issuance of $2million in bonds for purchasingthe American Lake site for aCantonment.
The Commissioners agreed, andthe election was set for January6, 1917. Authorization passed,and the American Lake site was
purchased. Snow-clad Mt.Rainier guarded its easternhorizon, and American Lakebounded it on the west.
A revocable license from the WarDepartment, signed by theSecretary of the Army and datedJanuary 3, 1923, leased 377acres of the army’s 87,000-acreCamp Lewis (later Fort Lewis;today Joint Base Lewis McChord)for the Veterans Hospital atAmerican Lake, said to have themost beautiful physical setting ofall the Veterans Administrationhospitals.
The 377 acres includes approx-imately 91 acres in lawns, 25acres in general farming, fiveacres in berries, and approxi-mately 60 acres in a nine-hole
golf course, all surrounded by anadditional 1,120 acres of woodedlands. The soil is filled with rockfragments characteristic of glacialdrift. The buildings, of Spanish-American type architecture, arenestled along a beautifulshoreline of 1.8 miles.
According to the Department ofVeterans Affairs website, theUnited States has the mostcomprehensive system forveterans of any nation in theworld. This system traces its rootsback to 1636 when the Pilgrimsof Plymouth Colony were at warwith the Pequot Indians. ThePilgrims passed a law stating that
disabled soldiers would besupported by the colony.
The Continental Congress of1776 encouraged enlistmentsduring the Revolutionary War byproviding pensions for disabledsoldiers. In the early days of theRepublic, individual States andcommunities provided directmedical care.
Non-Profit OrgUS Postage Paid
Tacoma, WAPermit #356
Lakewood Historical SocietyP.O. Box 98014Lakewood, WA 98496
Find us on Facebook (search for Lakewood Historical Society Washington State)or check our website for more information and current events: www.LakewoodHistorical.org
Continued on page 10
What’s Inside:President’s Message................2Hawaiian Raffle...........................3Dr. Klopping, DDS.......................3Donors, Members......................4Finances...................................5Our First Shopping Center............5472nd Signal Co Update..............6Remembering Harold LeMay.......6New in the Artist’s Corner...........8We Need Your Help!.................8Authors Want Your Photos............9Local Historians Honored...........11Programs & Events.....................12
I spent the first eleven yearsof my life in a mental hospital.Before you gasp and say,‘Well, she certainly seemsOK to me,’ let me explain thatmy father, Dr. Norman Mace,was a psychiatrist at theVeterans Hospital onAmerican Lake near Tacoma,Washington.”
—Peggy Mace Bal
American Lake Veterans Hospital, Lakewood, Washington
Programs and Activities for Winter 2013
Thurs, March 7th, 5:30-7 pm- Reception for new artist, George Zantua, Lakewood History Museum,6211 Mt Tacoma, DR SW, refreshments served.
Tues, March 19th, 7 pm-History of Women in Aviation: Then and Now; celebrating Women’s HistoryMonth, the WASPS (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) of WW II and women pilots from McChord Fieldwill be honored.
Thurs, March 21st, 7 am-Grave Concerns Association: No Longer Anonymous: Restoring Identity withDignity, Lakewood United program, Burs Restaurant, 6151 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood.
SAVE THE DATE! New Exhibit opens Sat, April 6th, Lakewood History Museum, 6211 Mt TacomaDr SW, Ribbon Cutting at 1 PM, refreshments served.
Tues, April 16th, 7 pm- Lakewood’s Pioneer Commercial Development, history of Lakewood ColonialCenter, opened in 1937 and Villa Plaza, opened in 1957; the planned shopping centers that provided theLakes District residents with all of the services and products within their own community.
There are several commentsthat I wanted to make regardingthe past year’s accomplish-ments. Foremost, is recognizingthe generosity of our membersand friends who have madedonations to the AnnualMuseum Fund. We exceededlast year’s total with contributionsfrom nearly 200 people. Thisensures the continued operationof the History Museum that hasbecome a vital tourist attractionin the Lakewood community. Weagain had over 1,100 peoplevisit the Museum and over 1,200attended our events, programsand activities.
The Society received theInstitutional Achievement Awardfrom the Heritage League ofPierce County at their annualmeeting in recognition of thespecial edition of the “PrairieGazette” celebrating the 50thanniversary of the SeattleWorld’s Fair and the Aprilprogram presented by theauthors of “The Future Remem-bered”. See the rest of the storyunder AWARDS on page 11.
In early February the SocietyBoard had a half day retreat todiscuss, review and plan thegoals for the next year withemphasis on fund raising andmarketing. We realized we aresetting big goals that will needmore volunteers to assist us inthe planning and executing ofthem. We will be asking for youto consider joining an ongoingcommittee or involve yourselfin short term projects. See thedetails under NEED HELP onpage 8.
This year we will be doing moreoutreach in the community. Oneof the new activities will beparticipating in the LakewoodFarmers’ Market in partnershipwith other heritage organiza-tions. The City’s pilot project wasa huge success last year. Thisyear it will be weekly on
Tuesdays from 11 am-3 pmstarting June 4th throughSeptember 17th. Look for moreinformation in the nextnewsletter.
Another popular activity will bepursuing the installation ofseveral new historic markers.Plaques for four sites have beenfabricated: the Old SettlersCemetery, the Heath Farm, theLakewood Ice Arena andThornewood Castle. We plandedications but they are awaitingthe “perfect” rocks to mountthem on. If you happen to knowwhere boulders can be located,please contact Glen Spieth at253-584-3930.
We have some excitingprograms planned this year.Several of them will showcaselocal businesses. The first waspresented on Feb. 19th featuringHarold LeMay, founder of LeMayEnterprises. His fame as a carcollector exceeded even hissuccess in business but the storybehind the man and his businessis just as fascinating, as you’llsee on page 6.
In March we will be celebratingWomen’s History Month byshowcasing Women in Aviation:Then and Now. The WASPS(Women’s Airforce ServicePilots) and current women pilotsassigned to McChord Field willbe honored.
If you have a topic you wouldlike presented as a programdon’t hesitate to inform any ofthe board members so we canput it on the schedule later thisyear or next year for sure.
As always, we thank you for yourcontinued interest and support,
By Phil Raschke
The Heritage League of PierceCounty recently presented theirThird Annual RecognitionAwards at the Washington StateHistory Museum. Karen Hass,President and Master ofCeremonies made the awardsfollowing recommendations fromthe League’s awards committee.
The Lakewood Historical Societyreceived the Heritage League2012 Institutional AchievementAward for their acclaimed “TheFuture Remembered” programwhich highlighted the 50thAnniversary of the Seattle World’sFair and related events in theLakewood area. The programincluded a special 12 page editionof the Society’s “Prairie Gazette”newsletter. Becky Huber, Presi-dent of the Lakewood HistoricalSociety accepted the award.
Lakewood resident Phil Raschkereceived the League’s “Commun-ity Connections” award for his“Historical Phil” radio series whichairs daily at 9:30 a.m. on KLAYRadio, 1180 AM. The “HistoricalPhil” show provides PierceCounty listeners with a dailyhistorical look at interestingpeople and events in the PierceCounty area. Cited programsincluded “Tacoma’s Old
Woman’s Gulch”, “The CushmanIndian School and Hospital”,“Spanaway, How a Unique CityGot Its Unique Name” and “EarlySteilacoom Pioneer Laura BelleDowney Bartlett”. Raschke is oneof the original members of theLakewood Arts Commission anda Board member of theLakewood Playhouse.
Local journalist and historianSteve Dunkelberger received theLeague’s “Heritage AdvocateAward” for his books, numerousfeature writings, lectures and hisuntiring efforts to preserve thelocal history of the area. Alongwith Walter Neary, he co-authored the “Images of America”book on the history of Lakewood.The book is currently availableat the Lakewood HistoryMuseum. (See page 9 for moreabout Steve—and how you canhelp with an upcoming book)
The Heritage League of PierceCounty helps gives voice andexposure to over 44 historicalorganizations located withinPierce County. Guest speakerfor the event was Bennish Brown,President and CEO of theTacoma Regional Conventionand Visitors Bureau.
Page 11Page 2
PresidentBecky Huber • 253-582-8682
Vice PresidentGlen Spieth • 253-584-3930
SecretarySue Scott • 253-588-6354
TreasurerGary Fowler • 253-584-3958
DirectorsSue BoguszewskiLTG Bill Harrison
Kris KauffmanBarbara Lord Nelson
Lee OlsonLarry SaundersBarbara Scott
Jim TaylorDirector Emeritus
Cyrus Happy IIIMuseum Consultants
Mary BowlbyMeg Justus
PRAIRIE GAZETTE
Prairie Gazette is the official publication of theLakewood Historical Society. The newsletter ispublished four times a year. Distribution is directlyto members and available at the Lakewood HistoryMuseum, 6211 Mt Tacoma Drive SW, Lakewood,WA 98499. Phone: 253-682-3480
The staff of Prairie Gazette actively encouragesinput from the Society’s members as well as thegeneral public regarding story ideas of any otheraspects of this newsletter, and the LakewoodHistorical Society.
Content of this publication is copyright protectedby the Society and/or the authors and artists.
MEETINGS
The Lakewood Historical Society formed in 1998to preserve and share Lakewood’s rich historythrough programs, displays and publications. TheSociety offers frequent programs on topics ofhistorical interest. Most programs are free andopen to the public. Visit us on Facebook or ourwebsite for information on events and activities:
www.LakewoodHistorical.org
Lakewood Historians Receive Awardspay it back as Iwas able, whichwas only twoand a halfyears.”
Dr. Kloppingmeanwhile hadalways held afoothold in theActive ArmyReserve at Ft.Lewis during
WW II, where he was honored withthe Legion of Merit for this service.
During the War, Clapp and the dentiststruck up another deal.
“I made a deal with him to leave myoffice just as it was and I would returnas soon as possible to resume mydentistry.
“We kept the deal.”
After the War the office reopenedwith one chair; it now has 12 chairs(1987), with three associates andtwo dental hygienists.
While in the Active Army ReserveDr. Klopping commanded the 6255thDental Service Detachment andretired after 15 years of duty as aColonel. While in the Service, heattended all ten in a series of one-week courses at Walter ReedGeneral Hospital and ResearchCenter at Bethesda, MD.
In April 1987, the Pierce CountyDental Society honored Dr. Kloppingfor 50 years of service andmembership in the society.
At that time Dr. Klopping and Mr.Clapp had maintained their longfriendship. During a Chamber ofCommerce luncheon that summer,Dr. Klopping reminded Mr. Clappabout their long-ago bicycle race,challenging him to repeat the feat.Clapp, 82 at the time, declined,later commenting that he receivedhis first and last heat stroke at that1937 event.
KLOPPING Continued from page 3
Phil Raschke, Becky Huber and Steve Dunkelberger
Page 3
Veterans HospitalContinued from page 1
After the Civil War, many Stateveterans homes were established.A new system of veterans serviceswas instituted when the UnitedStates entered World War I.
The Veterans Administrationcame into being in 1930 whenCongress authorized thePresident to consolidate andcoordinate government
activities for war veterans.
A pair of plain wrought-ironlanterns sit atop oppositecobblestone columnsthat mark the entry tothe Veterans Hospitalin Lake City. Occu-pational therapypatients early on in thehospital’s historycrafted the lanterns,according to a historyarchived in TacomaPublic Library’s North-west Room. A re-searcher encountersnumerous examplesof work done by occu-pational therapypatients throughout the years.
The solid-looking facility,constructed in the second decadeof the 20th century, is approach-ed by a meandering two-laneroad that begins south of thehospital in Lakewood, just offGravelly Lake Drive. One sideparallels the lake; the otherparallels the golf course, whilethe boundary of Joint Base LewisMcChord seems to embrace theentire site.
A row of flagpoles lines the leftside of the hospital’s approach—fitting for a military medical
treatment facility.
The history of themedical facility locatedin Lake City at thewestern end of the roadknown as “VeteransDrive” began in 1923,five years after theArmistice was signed toend the “Great War.”
The American Lakefacility was the 54thhospital to be built by theWar Department for the
care of World War I veterans.The Hurley-Mason Company wasawarded the contract for theconstruction of the facility. Manyof the stucco and terra cottabuildings are listed on the
National Register of HistoricPlaces and are still enjoyed bypatients and staff for their estheticbeauty.
The medical center wasdedicated in 1924 and charteredwith a single mission: neuro-psychiatric treatment. On March15, 1924, the first 50 patientswere admitted to the hospital bytransfer from Western StateHospital at Fort Steilacoom.
During the years, the hospital hasgrown from its initial mission tothat of a multi-care facility. In the60’s and 70’s AmbulatorySurgical Services, a 76-bedNursing Home Unit, BlindRehabilitation Services, aSubstance Abuse TreatmentProgram and a 60-bed homelessdomiciliary were added to thescope of care to veterans.
Additional special programs wereadded in the 80s and 90s, suchas Vocational Rehabilitation, aResidential Care Program and aPost Traumatic Stress TreatmentProgram.
Building 81 was renovated in1998 and an addition built thatallowed for relocation andexpansion of Primary Care anda Women’s Health clinic.
Ongoing remodeling, upgradingand expansion of the facilities willdoubtless continue, while everyeffort is made to preserve thehistoric character of this campus.
Society Sponsoring Raffle forHawaiian Condo
Thanks to the generosity of Society member Gerrie Zaratsky, the Society is sponsoringa raffle for one week’s stay in a beachfront condo on Maui, Hawaii in September, 2013.
The ticket price is only $5 and the lucky winner also receives $500 towards travelexpenses. Because the total number of tickets is limited to 1000 the odds are verygood. The drawing will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2013 at the annual City ofLakewood’s SummerFEST at Fort Steilacoom Park.
The ground floor, two bedroom, twobath condominium, located in Kihei,Maui, has a stunning ocean view andis just steps from the beach. It is fullyfurnished with an all electric kitchen
and can accommodate four people, no children please.
Buy your tickets now by visiting the Lakewood HistoryMuseum at 6211 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, during regularmuseum hours, Wed-Sat, 12 noon to 4 pm. For moreinformation call Barbara Lord Nelson at 253-582-2330or Becky Huber at 253-582-8682.
Page 10
No. 81, primary hospital building. Tiled roofs,“adobe” walls show Spanish-American influence.
Original entrance to hospital grounds
Association. He is also a schoolboard member and parishionerat St. Mary’s Episcopal Churchand School.
Neary, also a former editor of theLakewood Journal, served on theLakewood City Council from 2004to 2011. Neary is communica-tions director for Comcast inWashington and a member of theLakewood Landmarks andHeritage Advisory Board and theboard of the WashingtonCoalition for Open Government.He was a co-founder of theLakewood Historical Society’smuseum. Neary writes aboutlocal government issues atelecting2blog.com
Images of America: Lakewoodremains on sale at such locationsas the Lakewood Barnes & Nobleand is available at the HistoricFort Steilacoom Association andLakewood Historical Society.
In the early 1930s, Norton Clappbegan developing plans for theLakewood Colonial Center with theidea of building a complete servicecenter for the community that wasthen part of the Lakes District. TheCenter was to include a medicaldoctor, dentist, barber, beauty shop,drugstore, grocery store, theatre,hardware store and general store.
Mr. Clapp and Dr. Taylor scoutedthe Dental Board to see who recently
passed the exams. Dr. EdwardKlopping was one of three out of 32who succeeded in passing, havinggraduated Cum Laude fromCreighton Dental School in Omaha,NE. Klopping also was in the DentalROTC program. Immediately afterhis June 2, 1937 graduation, he andhis wife, Kathleen, moved to Auburnwhere his wife’s relatives lived.
Once he heard about the opportun-ity, he looked the site over, and then
arranged a meeting with Clapp.“At this time I knew I would not beable to afford to equip the officeproperty and in keeping with the restof the Lakewood Center,” Dr.Klopping recalled for a story in the50th Anniversary Press edition. “Iexplained to Mr. Clapp my positionand what a wonderful opportunity itwould be for me. He agreed to buythe equipment for me, and I would
Dr. Klopping’s Dental Center at Lakewood By Nancy Covert
Continued on page 11
AUTHORS Continued from page 9
2012 Goal: $25,000 for Operations,Education, Exhibits, Programs andCommunity Outreach
Actual: $23,165 from 193 generousdonors
City of Lakewood Lodging Tax helpssupport the Lakewood History Museumdisplays and exhibits as well as Societycommunity outreach, promotions andeducational programs.
SPONSORS & BUSINESS MEMBERSAA Party RentalsB&B GlassBetter Properties Real EstateRobert “Bob” Babigan InsuranceCartridge WorldGramor Development WAHarborstone Credit UnionHeritage BankRoger JaenickeLakewood Chamber of CommerceLakewood FordLakewold GardensLeMay EnterprisesLes Schwab Tire CenterMurray Pacific CorpPatriots LandingPaktek IncPuget Sound EnergySmith WesternThe Suburban TimesSound TransitWater Rights Inc
PREMIER - $1,000 or moreThe Dimmer Family FoundationLTG William (Bill) Harrison (Ret)Helga P. MillerClark and Sharon MontgomeryThe Helen and John Vogt Foundation
PATRON - $500 to $999ComcastJohn and Rebecca HuberClyde and Jean KalahanCarol and Jim MorenoMike and Sue Raney / Beverley Bills
PARTNER - $200 to $499Joe and Patty CandiottaBarbara CarrellSteve CissellRon and Christine CronkCharlie EckstromCarol ElseGary and Karen FowlerHorace GamasSamuel G. HewstonEdward C. Klopping IIIT. J. “Tim” MarshHenry SchatzBen Sclair / Suburban TimesRaye StaplesMarylu and Peter WallerichLarry and Darlene WilderDavid and Barbara Young
MEMORIAL GIFTS IN HONOR OF:Bob Barlow by Joe and Bernie PiscatellaEdie Brewer by John and Rebecca HuberBrian C. Davis by Kristin E. Davis
Sandra Glasse by Steve and Diane Styskal by Barbara CarrellLTC Darwin C. Miller USA (Ret) by Helga P. Miller
ASSOCIATE - $100 to $199Marion BallJeff ConnerJames and Linda CurleyAnn DavisKristen DavisSusan B. FieldsPearl (Billie) FinleyAndie GernonGeorge and Geneva HamillLarry and Natalie HumphreyPatricia Hunter & John MerryDr. John G. HewstonRoger JaenickeMaria Nicholas KellyOttie LaddKarl A. LorenzJames ManningFlorence MarchMayo E. MarshDavid J. McDonaldWalter NearyBarbara Lord NelsonJeanne NickerlMary Lou and Dave PetersonSookie SchuylerBarbara G. ScottJoan E. ShalikashviliLinda Smith/Lkwd Chamber CommerceCynthia SpiethGlen and Marlene SpiethRuth Stevick & Lynn GraceyJim TaylorPaul R. WebbThomas and Bonnie WilsonJon and Dede Winters
CONTRIBUTORSNick Adams & Carolyn Modarelli AdamsRobert and Sylvia AllenHelen McNeely AmsbarySandra R. AndersonBob and Marilyn ArndtHenry and Mary BackousGregory W. BaxterRichard and Helen BednarczykPhillip and Sue BoguszewskiMary BowlbyMichael and HaeYon BrandstetterRobert and Gay BrandtMike and Charlotte CarrellMatthew Clapp JrJan CookJoan CooleySusan C. CoulterDave and Florence CoveyRhona DiehlKatherine F. DesbergAnn DavisJim and Lila EarlyTal and Molly EdmanLinda ForkenbrockJeff and Deb FreedmanAnita FriesScott GamasDelma GanttJoe and Carolyn GhilarducciSandra and Clarence GlasseMargaret GloverMillie HamiltonJeanne L. HansenRoyce and Genny HansenDebi HarrisJonathan and Janis Hawkes
Gloria HillDonald P. HirtePriscilla J. HuberWilliam L. JacksonJerry and Beth JulianBrad JonesKristy KernenPaul W. KinseyJarnelle KnappLaurel LemkeJames ManningMary D. MartinacEugene MaunGenevieve McIntyreHerb MellorDavid and Kathryn MeyerTom MezsAndrea MoawadEllis MoreheadL. T. MurrayDave O’KeeffeJames and Shirley PetersenH. Dale PiercyDavid RedemannJan ReederEmma RichardsonTerry RipoliRobert and Scotty RussDon and Katherine RussellJohn and Polly SchrieberLouise SchumockSue ScottDonald and Jane SimpsonColleen SmartJim and Kathy SpencerDugald and Norita StewartPatricia StolpDarrel StutesmanSteve and Diane StyskalBob and Candy TingstadWayne TrieboldMichael and Mary Jo TucciMolly TuohyLinda VanDykThea VestalJoan L. WalstonJohn and Penny WalstrumElla WashburnBarbara P. WerschkulStephen Whitlock& Virginia Castro SmithGene and Ellie WilsonCarole and Ted WierGeorgiana Wilson-BattleHarriet R. WolvertonRobert and Sarah WoodallPaul and Rebecca Wulfestieg
HONORARY CONTRIBUTIONSBill Harrison and Bob Brunke In honor of their Community work by Robert Warfield
NEW MEMBERSSINCE LAST NEWSLETTERPatricia A. DucolonBurton and Doris JohnsonRon KarabaichEdward C. Klopping IIIAndrea LittonLeona W. LongDottie (Dorothy) RiderDr. Marvin and Melissa TommervikMarylu and Peter Wallerich
Thank You, Museum FundDonors and Sponsors!
Authors SeekPhotos for SecondLakewood History
BookBy Walter Neary
There’s going to be a secondLakewood history book. And theauthors are eagerly looking forphotographs that represent thepeople who made and makeLakewood, Washington a greatplace to live and work.
Steve Dunkelberger and WalterNeary, authors of the 2005 bookImages of America: Lakewoodare now working with the samepublisher on a new book. ArcadiaPublishing Company, responsiblefor hundreds of those sepia-colored Images of Americabooks, has a new series thatfocuses on people, and so thebook will be called LegendaryLocals of Lakewood.
Dunkelberger and Neary areembarking on a seven-montheffort to find dynamic pictures ofinteresting people fromLakewood’s past and present.
“We’re very excited to focus onpeople and highlight the greatindividuals who built Lakewoodinto what it is today, and areworking to make it what it will bein the future,” Dunkelberger said.“The area that is now the City ofLakewood sat front and centerto the formation of the region inways many people don’t realize.We want to tell that story throughthe people who made it happensince history is not a matter ofdates and places. History is aboutpeople. People of all typescreated Lakewood.”
This book is meant to work asnot only a companion to their firstbook, but also as a stand-alonenarrative of the evolution of theland from open prairie to theLakes District to suburban cityon the rise.
“A couple of remarkable thingshappened after the first book,one wonderful, one not, that reallybelong in any comprehensivehistory of our community. We willbe proud to highlight ClaudiaThomas as the first African-American mayor in Washington.And of course, Steve and I justhad to agree to do this book whenArcadia approached us becauseof the events of Nov. 29, 2009.The deaths in the coffee shop
belong in any real history bookabout Lakewood. If anyone inLake-wood is a legend, it’s thefour police officers who the wholeworld saw were willing to givetheir lives for our community,”Neary said.
Here’s how you can get involvedin the book:
If you know of a picture ofsomeone significant toLakewood’s history, even if it’sin a nontraditional way, theauthors would love to know.You can let them know byfilling out the Legendary Localsof Lakewood suggestion form.It’s possible the authors mayalready have the name on theirlist; you can check by lookingat their working list at http://
lakewoodhistory.tumblr.com/post/37866874604/current-list
If you know of a great pictureof someone already on the list,the authors would love to hearfrom you.
If you represent an organiza-tion in Lakewood (service club,church, etc) that has beenaround at least 20 years, theauthors would like to considerincluding a representativeperson from your organizationin the book. We really needyour help here, because weknow there are a lot of greatorganizations in Lakewood.The person could be a found-ing member, or a significantmember of the group (a boardmember, a pastor, someonesomehow who brought thegroup to excellence, a verylongtime member, etc). Themore dynamic the photograph,the better the odds that it canbe included. The authors willhave to rely in part on thevisual interest of the picture:they will need to provide thepublisher with pictures ofpeople doing things andshowing expressions, and notjust staring into a camera.
Finally, if you know of a personwho really should be in thebook, but you don’t know of apicture, the authors would likethe idea anyway! Feel free tomake your suggestion.
Steve Dunkelberger, a formerreporter and editor of the now-defunct Lakewood Journal,helped found the LakewoodHistorical Society, is a journalismand media professor at PierceCollege and the online editor ofthe Tacoma Weekly as well as afreelance writer for variouspublications around the region.He is also the chairman ofLakewood’s Landmark andHeritage Advisory Board and aformer board member of theHistoric Fort Steilacoom Museum
Page 9
Dunkelberger and Neary’s 2005Images of America: Lakewood
Continued next page
LAKEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY—2012 DONORS
LAKEWOODHISTORICAL SOCIETY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Cash on Hand,12/31/2011Checking $ 1,402.56Money Market $21,029.77
Total $22,432.33
IncomeGrants $ 45,500.00Memberships $ 5,620.00Donations – Museum Fund
$ 14,690.42Sponsorships $ 500.00Memorials $ 1,485.00Special Fund Raisers
$ 5,493.00Bank Interest $ 70.57Other $ 379.52
Total Income $ 73,738.51
ExpensesOperations &Administration $ 8,086.31Web Site $ 5,062.50Contract Services $ 8,025.36Insurance $ 1,780.00Museum Lease $ 18,000.00Museum Exhibits $ 600.63Historical Markers $ 5,010.00Postage,Copies & Printing $ 2,374.85MuseumAnnual Fund $ 1,638.12Special Events/Fund Raisers $ 12,106.67Marketing/Publicity $ 21,948.24
Total Expenses $ 65,912.43
Cash on Hand - 12/31/2012Checking $ 1,974.35Money Market $ 9,563.81
Total $ 11,538.16
By Nancy Covert
“Lakewood Community Center wasdesigned and built for the people ofthe Lakes and Prairie districts ofPierce County by residents of thedistrict. The success or failuredepends upon the use by you andyour family and not whether thebuilders make or lose money. Whileevery effort has been made to makethe Lakewood Community Center alovely place with the finest furnish-ings and equipment, there will be nopremium prices for using the center.Every effort is being made to featurecity prices in all departments, andthough they are commercial, thethought being that it render a serviceto the community. As time passesand the various uses of the Centerbecome available such as the RifleRange and the Recreation Hall, it ishoped that you and your friends willspend many happy hours here, usingthe Center to the fullest advantage.”
What do you most remember aboutLakewood Colonial Center? Themovie theatre? The Terrace Rest-aurant? Dr. Klopping’s Dental Office?This all-in-one place-shoppingconcept was constructed on the edgeof Lakewood in the mid-1930s andmarked its Diamond (75th) Annivers-ary this past year. A formal celebra-tion, however, is scheduled for thisyear (Watch for details.)
Gradually, the Colonial-inspiredarchitecture expanded, and its movietheatre became a big draw for arearesidents, especially the youngercrowd who flocked to the Matinees.
Credit for this shopping complex haslong gone to Norton Clapp, one ofthe men responsible for the famousSeattle World’s Fair landmark, theSpace Needle. Other information,however, asserts that Mr. Clapp’sfirst wife was the moving force behindthis project. While the jury’s still outon the answer, most folks will agreethat having the Center had made abig difference to the city.
Page 8
Lakewood Colonial Center6211 Mt Tacoma Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
On February 20th, George Zantua, thenewest member of the Rainier League ofArtists, installed his artwork in the verypopular Artist’s Corner in the LakewoodHistory Museum. An evening reception isplanned for Thursday, March 7th from 5:30to 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.
He began doing art for fun in high schooland even considered getting a Fine Artsdegree. However, his desire to help othersled him to the University of Washingtonfor an education in social work. His art tooka “back burner” except for selling somefor additional income or donating it to fundraisers for community organizations.
After attaining a graduate degree inguidance counseling, he worked at various jobs, includingvocational school counselor in Seattle, investigator forthe Washington State Human Rights Commission,counseling supervisor for employment programs inHawaii and counseling supervisor for homeless programsat the Metropolitan Development Council. .
After ending a 30 year career incounseling, he found the opportunityto continue helping others in a waythat incorporated his artistic talent.For the last four years he has workedpart time at the Nativity House inTacoma, a daytime facility for thehomeless that serves over 150 clientsdaily. He coordinates the activitiesfor the Art Room on the second floorof the facility.
Many clients who have difficulty insocializing in groups gravitate to theArt Room. George provides a quiet,restful environment for budding artiststo explore the world of art. Whenasked if he taught them art classes,he replied, “No, I just coach.” Anumber of his students have
produced wonderful compositions that are on displayat the Museum.
He has had artwork displayed in the Tacoma/GigHarbor/Puyallup area and participated in shows atthe Tacoma Art Museum, the Native Quest CulturalCenter and in Puyallup at the Fred Oldfield WesternHeritage Center.
New Artist Display Installed in Museum
George Zantua
The Board has realized that we nolonger can accomplish all of thegoals and manage all of theactivities ourselves. We need yourhelp if the Society and Museum areto continue to grow.
Each of you has unique talents andabilities that could be usedeffectively for activities and projectsthat the Society is supporting.Depending on your other timecommitments, there is somethingfor everyone.
Listed below are the areas you mayconsider: a permanent committeethat meets monthly, short termspecial projects for periodicevents; or individual tasks doneon an as needed basis on your ownschedule.
Committees:
1. Program Committee: Assist in organizing and producing the monthly programs.
2. Membership Committee: Recruitnew members, maintainmembership database,coordinate periodic mailings,make follow up calls/e-mails.
3. Finance Committee: Assisttreasurer in the financialmanagement of the Society andMuseum, make recommend-ations to board; maintainingdocuments and records.
4. Fund raising: Annual fund drive,special events, signature event.
Special Projects:
1. Exhibits: Assist in coordinatingtemporary displays in themuseum to include the Artist’sCorner, every 2-3 months.
2. Outreach: Help staffbooth/space at annual eventssuch as SummerFEST, SisterCity International Festival,Senior Center Open House;seasonal community eventssuch as Farmers’ Market (new
endeavor); make presentationsto a variety of communitygroups.
3. Historic Markers: Plan andpromote periodic installationsand dedications of markers,assist in producing map withsites listed.
Individual Tasks:
1. Docent in museum: Greet/guidevisitors, assist in tours, minimum4 hours/month.
2. Administrative Assistance:Provide clerical support andassist in record keeping; addcontacts to databases. Must be“computer literate” andknowledgeable of currentsoftware such as Excel.
3. Researchers: Compile referencebook for docents; research andwrite stories of people, placesand events in the Lakewoodarea for quarterly newsletter.
We Need Your Help!
Page 5
Lakewood’s FirstShopping Center
Join the Lakewood Historic Societyon April 6th for the Grand Openingof the exhibit on the CommunityCenter and Villa Plaza.
Page 6
Captain Nicole Protz, commanderof the 472nd Signal Company, hashad regular communication withthe Society since their deploymentin late October, 2012. It has beena huge challenge for her becauseher 50 personnel are scattered in8 different locations, some withonly a few people. Here are theactual locations if you can evenfind them on a map?? MasumGhar, Kandahar Airfield,Zangabad, Edgerton, Panjwa'I,Daman, Sperwan Ghar and Shoja.
She and her command team havemade every effort to help keep themorale up by celebrating birthdays,holidays, promotions and reenlist-ments on a regular basis. Theyalso have opportunities to workoutside of their normal routine byparticipating in other unit’sactivities.
Here are comments from Nicoleabout her soldiers. “Not a day goesby that they don't do something tosimply amaze 1SG and me.Whether it's going out of their wayto assist other units in the Brigade,digging a trench to ensure that theshower water run-off doesn't flood
the tents, inventorying all of ourproperty, or just waking up with asmile on their faces, your soldiersare ready and willing to do what-ever it takes to accomplish themission to the best of theirabilities.”
Please keep the care packagedonations coming. Our goal is tohave a box of Girl Scout cookiesfor each soldier, so we need 53boxes! Drop them off at the
Museum or at any of our programsor events. We appreciatemonetary donations for postage.Call Sue Scott if you have anyquestions at 253-588-6354.
For you Facebook fans, follow theunit at this address: 472nd-Signal-Company-4th-SBCT-2-ID.
Patrol cars, U.S. mail deliveryvans, bright red fire engines…allfamiliar sights to Lakewoodresidents. Oh, and don’t forget thebulky Lakewood Refuse trucks.Anyone with a hankering to seethem again—and literallythousands of other vehicles ofevery type—need only pay a visitto the former home of one of themost remarkable characters everto come out of Pierce County.
Charlie Maxwell, long-timeGeneral Manager of LeMayEnterprises refuse and recycling,recapped the history of this
essential business and his 40-yearfriendship with the late entre-preneur Harold LeMay, the manwhose name is associated withmany enterprises, especially hisfabulous automobile collection—the largest private car collectionin the world, according to no lessan authority than the GuinessBook of World Records.
Mr. Maxwell’s presentation,attended by a large number ofLHS members and friends,included snapshots of LeMay’shistory, some of his famous cars,a recap about the LeMay’s annualend-of-August car show, and thehistory of Marymount Academy in
Update on 472nd Signal Companyby Becky Huber
The 472nd Signal Company in Afghanistan
Celebrating a birthday far from home.
Monthly ProgramRecalls Harold LeMayby Nancy Covert & Chuck Mathias
Charlie Maxwell told fascinatingstories of his friend and employer,
the late Harold LeMay.
Spanaway that is now theMarymount Event Center—andalso the setting this past July forLakewood Historical Society’s“Tacoma Speedway Centennial,”program, as well as humorousanecdotes about Harold’s famouscar collecting expeditions.
Just one of many examples: inresponse to the question of howHarold could afford to add to hisimmense collection in the daysbefore he hit it big in the recyclingbusiness, Mr. Maxwell replied in asingle word: “Frugality.”
He went on to explain that, born(to a single mother in 1919) withliterally nothing, Harold throughouthis life remained a man who, if hehad only two left-handed workgloves, would turn one of theminside out to wear on his right handrather than throw both away andbuy a new pair.
He carried this philosophy over tothe way in which he transportednewly-purchased cars for hiscollection, finding creative, thrifty(and possibly questionable, at leastas far as the authorities wereconcerned) ways to load three ona one-car trailer: one in the middle,one hanging over the end—and
one riding on the tongue betweentruck and trailer!
He even had a custom motor homebuilt with a special compartment
big enough to hold a car in casehe and his beloved wife Nancystumbled across a “must-have” forthe collection while on vacation.
Harold and Charlie would competeto see who would get their prize-laden trailers home to Spanawayfirst—from as far away as Hershey,
PA—and Harold finally tired ofarriving to find Charlie alreadyseated at the dinner table(evidence, by the way, of Harold’sinsistance that if you were anemployee, you were also family).
The next time they set off withHarold’s latest purchases in tow,Charlie went only a few milesbefore his wildly-bouncing trailerforced him to the side of the road.As Charlie inspected his load,Harold pulled alongside, rolleddown his window and, withtouching concern, asked what theproblem might be?
Charlie replied that someone hadloaded the third car backwards,with its engine hanging over theend of the trailer. The weightdistribution was all wrong, and itwould probably take hours for heand Harold to reload it properly.
“Oh.” Harold replied. “See ya!” A
friendly wave, and Maxwell wasleft standing in the gravel at theside of the road.
And for once a famished Charliegot to watch a grinning Harold,seated at the head of the table,finish up the remains of asumptuous dinner. Page 7
Lakewood Historical Society President Becky Huber introduces Charlie Maxwell.
Mr. Maxwell relates the story of the LeMay family to a near-capacity audience .
Page 6
Captain Nicole Protz, commanderof the 472nd Signal Company, hashad regular communication withthe Society since their deploymentin late October, 2012. It has beena huge challenge for her becauseher 50 personnel are scattered in8 different locations, some withonly a few people. Here are theactual locations if you can evenfind them on a map?? MasumGhar, Kandahar Airfield,Zangabad, Edgerton, Panjwa'I,Daman, Sperwan Ghar and Shoja.
She and her command team havemade every effort to help keep themorale up by celebrating birthdays,holidays, promotions and reenlist-ments on a regular basis. Theyalso have opportunities to workoutside of their normal routine byparticipating in other unit’sactivities.
Here are comments from Nicoleabout her soldiers. “Not a day goesby that they don't do something tosimply amaze 1SG and me.Whether it's going out of their wayto assist other units in the Brigade,digging a trench to ensure that theshower water run-off doesn't flood
the tents, inventorying all of ourproperty, or just waking up with asmile on their faces, your soldiersare ready and willing to do what-ever it takes to accomplish themission to the best of theirabilities.”
Please keep the care packagedonations coming. Our goal is tohave a box of Girl Scout cookiesfor each soldier, so we need 53boxes! Drop them off at the
Museum or at any of our programsor events. We appreciatemonetary donations for postage.Call Sue Scott if you have anyquestions at 253-588-6354.
For you Facebook fans, follow theunit at this address: 472nd-Signal-Company-4th-SBCT-2-ID.
Patrol cars, U.S. mail deliveryvans, bright red fire engines…allfamiliar sights to Lakewoodresidents. Oh, and don’t forget thebulky Lakewood Refuse trucks.Anyone with a hankering to seethem again—and literallythousands of other vehicles ofevery type—need only pay a visitto the former home of one of themost remarkable characters everto come out of Pierce County.
Charlie Maxwell, long-timeGeneral Manager of LeMayEnterprises refuse and recycling,recapped the history of this
essential business and his 40-yearfriendship with the late entre-preneur Harold LeMay, the manwhose name is associated withmany enterprises, especially hisfabulous automobile collection—the largest private car collectionin the world, according to no lessan authority than the GuinessBook of World Records.
Mr. Maxwell’s presentation,attended by a large number ofLHS members and friends,included snapshots of LeMay’shistory, some of his famous cars,a recap about the LeMay’s annualend-of-August car show, and thehistory of Marymount Academy in
Update on 472nd Signal Companyby Becky Huber
The 472nd Signal Company in Afghanistan
Celebrating a birthday far from home.
Monthly ProgramRecalls Harold LeMayby Nancy Covert & Chuck Mathias
Charlie Maxwell told fascinatingstories of his friend and employer,
the late Harold LeMay.
Spanaway that is now theMarymount Event Center—andalso the setting this past July forLakewood Historical Society’s“Tacoma Speedway Centennial,”program, as well as humorousanecdotes about Harold’s famouscar collecting expeditions.
Just one of many examples: inresponse to the question of howHarold could afford to add to hisimmense collection in the daysbefore he hit it big in the recyclingbusiness, Mr. Maxwell replied in asingle word: “Frugality.”
He went on to explain that, born(to a single mother in 1919) withliterally nothing, Harold throughouthis life remained a man who, if hehad only two left-handed workgloves, would turn one of theminside out to wear on his right handrather than throw both away andbuy a new pair.
He carried this philosophy over tothe way in which he transportednewly-purchased cars for hiscollection, finding creative, thrifty(and possibly questionable, at leastas far as the authorities wereconcerned) ways to load three ona one-car trailer: one in the middle,one hanging over the end—and
one riding on the tongue betweentruck and trailer!
He even had a custom motor homebuilt with a special compartment
big enough to hold a car in casehe and his beloved wife Nancystumbled across a “must-have” forthe collection while on vacation.
Harold and Charlie would competeto see who would get their prize-laden trailers home to Spanawayfirst—from as far away as Hershey,
PA—and Harold finally tired ofarriving to find Charlie alreadyseated at the dinner table(evidence, by the way, of Harold’sinsistance that if you were anemployee, you were also family).
The next time they set off withHarold’s latest purchases in tow,Charlie went only a few milesbefore his wildly-bouncing trailerforced him to the side of the road.As Charlie inspected his load,Harold pulled alongside, rolleddown his window and, withtouching concern, asked what theproblem might be?
Charlie replied that someone hadloaded the third car backwards,with its engine hanging over theend of the trailer. The weightdistribution was all wrong, and itwould probably take hours for heand Harold to reload it properly.
“Oh.” Harold replied. “See ya!” A
friendly wave, and Maxwell wasleft standing in the gravel at theside of the road.
And for once a famished Charliegot to watch a grinning Harold,seated at the head of the table,finish up the remains of asumptuous dinner. Page 7
Lakewood Historical Society President Becky Huber introduces Charlie Maxwell.
Mr. Maxwell relates the story of the LeMay family to a near-capacity audience .
LAKEWOODHISTORICAL SOCIETY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Cash on Hand,12/31/2011Checking $ 1,402.56Money Market $21,029.77
Total $22,432.33
IncomeGrants $ 45,500.00Memberships $ 5,620.00Donations – Museum Fund
$ 14,690.42Sponsorships $ 500.00Memorials $ 1,485.00Special Fund Raisers
$ 5,493.00Bank Interest $ 70.57Other $ 379.52
Total Income $ 73,738.51
ExpensesOperations &Administration $ 8,086.31Web Site $ 5,062.50Contract Services $ 8,025.36Insurance $ 1,780.00Museum Lease $ 18,000.00Museum Exhibits $ 600.63Historical Markers $ 5,010.00Postage,Copies & Printing $ 2,374.85MuseumAnnual Fund $ 1,638.12Special Events/Fund Raisers $ 12,106.67Marketing/Publicity $ 21,948.24
Total Expenses $ 65,912.43
Cash on Hand - 12/31/2012Checking $ 1,974.35Money Market $ 9,563.81
Total $ 11,538.16
By Nancy Covert
“Lakewood Community Center wasdesigned and built for the people ofthe Lakes and Prairie districts ofPierce County by residents of thedistrict. The success or failuredepends upon the use by you andyour family and not whether thebuilders make or lose money. Whileevery effort has been made to makethe Lakewood Community Center alovely place with the finest furnish-ings and equipment, there will be nopremium prices for using the center.Every effort is being made to featurecity prices in all departments, andthough they are commercial, thethought being that it render a serviceto the community. As time passesand the various uses of the Centerbecome available such as the RifleRange and the Recreation Hall, it ishoped that you and your friends willspend many happy hours here, usingthe Center to the fullest advantage.”
What do you most remember aboutLakewood Colonial Center? Themovie theatre? The Terrace Rest-aurant? Dr. Klopping’s Dental Office?This all-in-one place-shoppingconcept was constructed on the edgeof Lakewood in the mid-1930s andmarked its Diamond (75th) Annivers-ary this past year. A formal celebra-tion, however, is scheduled for thisyear (Watch for details.)
Gradually, the Colonial-inspiredarchitecture expanded, and its movietheatre became a big draw for arearesidents, especially the youngercrowd who flocked to the Matinees.
Credit for this shopping complex haslong gone to Norton Clapp, one ofthe men responsible for the famousSeattle World’s Fair landmark, theSpace Needle. Other information,however, asserts that Mr. Clapp’sfirst wife was the moving force behindthis project. While the jury’s still outon the answer, most folks will agreethat having the Center had made abig difference to the city.
Page 8
Lakewood Colonial Center6211 Mt Tacoma Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
On February 20th, George Zantua, thenewest member of the Rainier League ofArtists, installed his artwork in the verypopular Artist’s Corner in the LakewoodHistory Museum. An evening reception isplanned for Thursday, March 7th from 5:30to 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.
He began doing art for fun in high schooland even considered getting a Fine Artsdegree. However, his desire to help othersled him to the University of Washingtonfor an education in social work. His art tooka “back burner” except for selling somefor additional income or donating it to fundraisers for community organizations.
After attaining a graduate degree inguidance counseling, he worked at various jobs, includingvocational school counselor in Seattle, investigator forthe Washington State Human Rights Commission,counseling supervisor for employment programs inHawaii and counseling supervisor for homeless programsat the Metropolitan Development Council. .
After ending a 30 year career incounseling, he found the opportunityto continue helping others in a waythat incorporated his artistic talent.For the last four years he has workedpart time at the Nativity House inTacoma, a daytime facility for thehomeless that serves over 150 clientsdaily. He coordinates the activitiesfor the Art Room on the second floorof the facility.
Many clients who have difficulty insocializing in groups gravitate to theArt Room. George provides a quiet,restful environment for budding artiststo explore the world of art. Whenasked if he taught them art classes,he replied, “No, I just coach.” Anumber of his students have
produced wonderful compositions that are on displayat the Museum.
He has had artwork displayed in the Tacoma/GigHarbor/Puyallup area and participated in shows atthe Tacoma Art Museum, the Native Quest CulturalCenter and in Puyallup at the Fred Oldfield WesternHeritage Center.
New Artist Display Installed in Museum
George Zantua
The Board has realized that we nolonger can accomplish all of thegoals and manage all of theactivities ourselves. We need yourhelp if the Society and Museum areto continue to grow.
Each of you has unique talents andabilities that could be usedeffectively for activities and projectsthat the Society is supporting.Depending on your other timecommitments, there is somethingfor everyone.
Listed below are the areas you mayconsider: a permanent committeethat meets monthly, short termspecial projects for periodicevents; or individual tasks doneon an as needed basis on your ownschedule.
Committees:
1. Program Committee: Assist in organizing and producing the monthly programs.
2. Membership Committee: Recruitnew members, maintainmembership database,coordinate periodic mailings,make follow up calls/e-mails.
3. Finance Committee: Assisttreasurer in the financialmanagement of the Society andMuseum, make recommend-ations to board; maintainingdocuments and records.
4. Fund raising: Annual fund drive,special events, signature event.
Special Projects:
1. Exhibits: Assist in coordinatingtemporary displays in themuseum to include the Artist’sCorner, every 2-3 months.
2. Outreach: Help staffbooth/space at annual eventssuch as SummerFEST, SisterCity International Festival,Senior Center Open House;seasonal community eventssuch as Farmers’ Market (new
endeavor); make presentationsto a variety of communitygroups.
3. Historic Markers: Plan andpromote periodic installationsand dedications of markers,assist in producing map withsites listed.
Individual Tasks:
1. Docent in museum: Greet/guidevisitors, assist in tours, minimum4 hours/month.
2. Administrative Assistance:Provide clerical support andassist in record keeping; addcontacts to databases. Must be“computer literate” andknowledgeable of currentsoftware such as Excel.
3. Researchers: Compile referencebook for docents; research andwrite stories of people, placesand events in the Lakewoodarea for quarterly newsletter.
We Need Your Help!
Page 5
Lakewood’s FirstShopping Center
Join the Lakewood Historic Societyon April 6th for the Grand Openingof the exhibit on the CommunityCenter and Villa Plaza.
2012 Goal: $25,000 for Operations,Education, Exhibits, Programs andCommunity Outreach
Actual: $23,165 from 193 generousdonors
City of Lakewood Lodging Tax helpssupport the Lakewood History Museumdisplays and exhibits as well as Societycommunity outreach, promotions andeducational programs.
SPONSORS & BUSINESS MEMBERSAA Party RentalsB&B GlassBetter Properties Real EstateRobert “Bob” Babigan InsuranceCartridge WorldGramor Development WAHarborstone Credit UnionHeritage BankRoger JaenickeLakewood Chamber of CommerceLakewood FordLakewold GardensLeMay EnterprisesLes Schwab Tire CenterMurray Pacific CorpPatriots LandingPaktek IncPuget Sound EnergySmith WesternThe Suburban TimesSound TransitWater Rights Inc
PREMIER - $1,000 or moreThe Dimmer Family FoundationLTG William (Bill) Harrison (Ret)Helga P. MillerClark and Sharon MontgomeryThe Helen and John Vogt Foundation
PATRON - $500 to $999ComcastJohn and Rebecca HuberClyde and Jean KalahanCarol and Jim MorenoMike and Sue Raney / Beverley Bills
PARTNER - $200 to $499Joe and Patty CandiottaBarbara CarrellSteve CissellRon and Christine CronkCharlie EckstromCarol ElseGary and Karen FowlerHorace GamasSamuel G. HewstonEdward C. Klopping IIIT. J. “Tim” MarshHenry SchatzBen Sclair / Suburban TimesRaye StaplesMarylu and Peter WallerichLarry and Darlene WilderDavid and Barbara Young
MEMORIAL GIFTS IN HONOR OF:Bob Barlow by Joe and Bernie PiscatellaEdie Brewer by John and Rebecca HuberBrian C. Davis by Kristin E. Davis
Sandra Glasse by Steve and Diane Styskal by Barbara CarrellLTC Darwin C. Miller USA (Ret) by Helga P. Miller
ASSOCIATE - $100 to $199Marion BallJeff ConnerJames and Linda CurleyAnn DavisKristen DavisSusan B. FieldsPearl (Billie) FinleyAndie GernonGeorge and Geneva HamillLarry and Natalie HumphreyPatricia Hunter & John MerryDr. John G. HewstonRoger JaenickeMaria Nicholas KellyOttie LaddKarl A. LorenzJames ManningFlorence MarchMayo E. MarshDavid J. McDonaldWalter NearyBarbara Lord NelsonJeanne NickerlMary Lou and Dave PetersonSookie SchuylerBarbara G. ScottJoan E. ShalikashviliLinda Smith/Lkwd Chamber CommerceCynthia SpiethGlen and Marlene SpiethRuth Stevick & Lynn GraceyJim TaylorPaul R. WebbThomas and Bonnie WilsonJon and Dede Winters
CONTRIBUTORSNick Adams & Carolyn Modarelli AdamsRobert and Sylvia AllenHelen McNeely AmsbarySandra R. AndersonBob and Marilyn ArndtHenry and Mary BackousGregory W. BaxterRichard and Helen BednarczykPhillip and Sue BoguszewskiMary BowlbyMichael and HaeYon BrandstetterRobert and Gay BrandtMike and Charlotte CarrellMatthew Clapp JrJan CookJoan CooleySusan C. CoulterDave and Florence CoveyRhona DiehlKatherine F. DesbergAnn DavisJim and Lila EarlyTal and Molly EdmanLinda ForkenbrockJeff and Deb FreedmanAnita FriesScott GamasDelma GanttJoe and Carolyn GhilarducciSandra and Clarence GlasseMargaret GloverMillie HamiltonJeanne L. HansenRoyce and Genny HansenDebi HarrisJonathan and Janis Hawkes
Gloria HillDonald P. HirtePriscilla J. HuberWilliam L. JacksonJerry and Beth JulianBrad JonesKristy KernenPaul W. KinseyJarnelle KnappLaurel LemkeJames ManningMary D. MartinacEugene MaunGenevieve McIntyreHerb MellorDavid and Kathryn MeyerTom MezsAndrea MoawadEllis MoreheadL. T. MurrayDave O’KeeffeJames and Shirley PetersenH. Dale PiercyDavid RedemannJan ReederEmma RichardsonTerry RipoliRobert and Scotty RussDon and Katherine RussellJohn and Polly SchrieberLouise SchumockSue ScottDonald and Jane SimpsonColleen SmartJim and Kathy SpencerDugald and Norita StewartPatricia StolpDarrel StutesmanSteve and Diane StyskalBob and Candy TingstadWayne TrieboldMichael and Mary Jo TucciMolly TuohyLinda VanDykThea VestalJoan L. WalstonJohn and Penny WalstrumElla WashburnBarbara P. WerschkulStephen Whitlock& Virginia Castro SmithGene and Ellie WilsonCarole and Ted WierGeorgiana Wilson-BattleHarriet R. WolvertonRobert and Sarah WoodallPaul and Rebecca Wulfestieg
HONORARY CONTRIBUTIONSBill Harrison and Bob Brunke In honor of their Community work by Robert Warfield
NEW MEMBERSSINCE LAST NEWSLETTERPatricia A. DucolonBurton and Doris JohnsonRon KarabaichEdward C. Klopping IIIAndrea LittonLeona W. LongDottie (Dorothy) RiderDr. Marvin and Melissa TommervikMarylu and Peter Wallerich
Thank You, Museum FundDonors and Sponsors!
Authors SeekPhotos for SecondLakewood History
BookBy Walter Neary
There’s going to be a secondLakewood history book. And theauthors are eagerly looking forphotographs that represent thepeople who made and makeLakewood, Washington a greatplace to live and work.
Steve Dunkelberger and WalterNeary, authors of the 2005 bookImages of America: Lakewoodare now working with the samepublisher on a new book. ArcadiaPublishing Company, responsiblefor hundreds of those sepia-colored Images of Americabooks, has a new series thatfocuses on people, and so thebook will be called LegendaryLocals of Lakewood.
Dunkelberger and Neary areembarking on a seven-montheffort to find dynamic pictures ofinteresting people fromLakewood’s past and present.
“We’re very excited to focus onpeople and highlight the greatindividuals who built Lakewoodinto what it is today, and areworking to make it what it will bein the future,” Dunkelberger said.“The area that is now the City ofLakewood sat front and centerto the formation of the region inways many people don’t realize.We want to tell that story throughthe people who made it happensince history is not a matter ofdates and places. History is aboutpeople. People of all typescreated Lakewood.”
This book is meant to work asnot only a companion to their firstbook, but also as a stand-alonenarrative of the evolution of theland from open prairie to theLakes District to suburban cityon the rise.
“A couple of remarkable thingshappened after the first book,one wonderful, one not, that reallybelong in any comprehensivehistory of our community. We willbe proud to highlight ClaudiaThomas as the first African-American mayor in Washington.And of course, Steve and I justhad to agree to do this book whenArcadia approached us becauseof the events of Nov. 29, 2009.The deaths in the coffee shop
belong in any real history bookabout Lakewood. If anyone inLake-wood is a legend, it’s thefour police officers who the wholeworld saw were willing to givetheir lives for our community,”Neary said.
Here’s how you can get involvedin the book:
If you know of a picture ofsomeone significant toLakewood’s history, even if it’sin a nontraditional way, theauthors would love to know.You can let them know byfilling out the Legendary Localsof Lakewood suggestion form.It’s possible the authors mayalready have the name on theirlist; you can check by lookingat their working list at http://
lakewoodhistory.tumblr.com/post/37866874604/current-list
If you know of a great pictureof someone already on the list,the authors would love to hearfrom you.
If you represent an organiza-tion in Lakewood (service club,church, etc) that has beenaround at least 20 years, theauthors would like to considerincluding a representativeperson from your organizationin the book. We really needyour help here, because weknow there are a lot of greatorganizations in Lakewood.The person could be a found-ing member, or a significantmember of the group (a boardmember, a pastor, someonesomehow who brought thegroup to excellence, a verylongtime member, etc). Themore dynamic the photograph,the better the odds that it canbe included. The authors willhave to rely in part on thevisual interest of the picture:they will need to provide thepublisher with pictures ofpeople doing things andshowing expressions, and notjust staring into a camera.
Finally, if you know of a personwho really should be in thebook, but you don’t know of apicture, the authors would likethe idea anyway! Feel free tomake your suggestion.
Steve Dunkelberger, a formerreporter and editor of the now-defunct Lakewood Journal,helped found the LakewoodHistorical Society, is a journalismand media professor at PierceCollege and the online editor ofthe Tacoma Weekly as well as afreelance writer for variouspublications around the region.He is also the chairman ofLakewood’s Landmark andHeritage Advisory Board and aformer board member of theHistoric Fort Steilacoom Museum
Page 9
Dunkelberger and Neary’s 2005Images of America: Lakewood
Continued next page
LAKEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY—2012 DONORS
Page 3
Veterans HospitalContinued from page 1
After the Civil War, many Stateveterans homes were established.A new system of veterans serviceswas instituted when the UnitedStates entered World War I.
The Veterans Administrationcame into being in 1930 whenCongress authorized thePresident to consolidate andcoordinate government
activities for war veterans.
A pair of plain wrought-ironlanterns sit atop oppositecobblestone columnsthat mark the entry tothe Veterans Hospitalin Lake City. Occu-pational therapypatients early on in thehospital’s historycrafted the lanterns,according to a historyarchived in TacomaPublic Library’s North-west Room. A re-searcher encountersnumerous examplesof work done by occu-pational therapypatients throughout the years.
The solid-looking facility,constructed in the second decadeof the 20th century, is approach-ed by a meandering two-laneroad that begins south of thehospital in Lakewood, just offGravelly Lake Drive. One sideparallels the lake; the otherparallels the golf course, whilethe boundary of Joint Base LewisMcChord seems to embrace theentire site.
A row of flagpoles lines the leftside of the hospital’s approach—fitting for a military medical
treatment facility.
The history of themedical facility locatedin Lake City at thewestern end of the roadknown as “VeteransDrive” began in 1923,five years after theArmistice was signed toend the “Great War.”
The American Lakefacility was the 54thhospital to be built by theWar Department for the
care of World War I veterans.The Hurley-Mason Company wasawarded the contract for theconstruction of the facility. Manyof the stucco and terra cottabuildings are listed on the
National Register of HistoricPlaces and are still enjoyed bypatients and staff for their estheticbeauty.
The medical center wasdedicated in 1924 and charteredwith a single mission: neuro-psychiatric treatment. On March15, 1924, the first 50 patientswere admitted to the hospital bytransfer from Western StateHospital at Fort Steilacoom.
During the years, the hospital hasgrown from its initial mission tothat of a multi-care facility. In the60’s and 70’s AmbulatorySurgical Services, a 76-bedNursing Home Unit, BlindRehabilitation Services, aSubstance Abuse TreatmentProgram and a 60-bed homelessdomiciliary were added to thescope of care to veterans.
Additional special programs wereadded in the 80s and 90s, suchas Vocational Rehabilitation, aResidential Care Program and aPost Traumatic Stress TreatmentProgram.
Building 81 was renovated in1998 and an addition built thatallowed for relocation andexpansion of Primary Care anda Women’s Health clinic.
Ongoing remodeling, upgradingand expansion of the facilities willdoubtless continue, while everyeffort is made to preserve thehistoric character of this campus.
Society Sponsoring Raffle forHawaiian Condo
Thanks to the generosity of Society member Gerrie Zaratsky, the Society is sponsoringa raffle for one week’s stay in a beachfront condo on Maui, Hawaii in September, 2013.
The ticket price is only $5 and the lucky winner also receives $500 towards travelexpenses. Because the total number of tickets is limited to 1000 the odds are verygood. The drawing will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2013 at the annual City ofLakewood’s SummerFEST at Fort Steilacoom Park.
The ground floor, two bedroom, twobath condominium, located in Kihei,Maui, has a stunning ocean view andis just steps from the beach. It is fullyfurnished with an all electric kitchen
and can accommodate four people, no children please.
Buy your tickets now by visiting the Lakewood HistoryMuseum at 6211 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, during regularmuseum hours, Wed-Sat, 12 noon to 4 pm. For moreinformation call Barbara Lord Nelson at 253-582-2330or Becky Huber at 253-582-8682.
Page 10
No. 81, primary hospital building. Tiled roofs,“adobe” walls show Spanish-American influence.
Original entrance to hospital grounds
Association. He is also a schoolboard member and parishionerat St. Mary’s Episcopal Churchand School.
Neary, also a former editor of theLakewood Journal, served on theLakewood City Council from 2004to 2011. Neary is communica-tions director for Comcast inWashington and a member of theLakewood Landmarks andHeritage Advisory Board and theboard of the WashingtonCoalition for Open Government.He was a co-founder of theLakewood Historical Society’smuseum. Neary writes aboutlocal government issues atelecting2blog.com
Images of America: Lakewoodremains on sale at such locationsas the Lakewood Barnes & Nobleand is available at the HistoricFort Steilacoom Association andLakewood Historical Society.
In the early 1930s, Norton Clappbegan developing plans for theLakewood Colonial Center with theidea of building a complete servicecenter for the community that wasthen part of the Lakes District. TheCenter was to include a medicaldoctor, dentist, barber, beauty shop,drugstore, grocery store, theatre,hardware store and general store.
Mr. Clapp and Dr. Taylor scoutedthe Dental Board to see who recently
passed the exams. Dr. EdwardKlopping was one of three out of 32who succeeded in passing, havinggraduated Cum Laude fromCreighton Dental School in Omaha,NE. Klopping also was in the DentalROTC program. Immediately afterhis June 2, 1937 graduation, he andhis wife, Kathleen, moved to Auburnwhere his wife’s relatives lived.
Once he heard about the opportun-ity, he looked the site over, and then
arranged a meeting with Clapp.“At this time I knew I would not beable to afford to equip the officeproperty and in keeping with the restof the Lakewood Center,” Dr.Klopping recalled for a story in the50th Anniversary Press edition. “Iexplained to Mr. Clapp my positionand what a wonderful opportunity itwould be for me. He agreed to buythe equipment for me, and I would
Dr. Klopping’s Dental Center at Lakewood By Nancy Covert
Continued on page 11
AUTHORS Continued from page 9
There are several commentsthat I wanted to make regardingthe past year’s accomplish-ments. Foremost, is recognizingthe generosity of our membersand friends who have madedonations to the AnnualMuseum Fund. We exceededlast year’s total with contributionsfrom nearly 200 people. Thisensures the continued operationof the History Museum that hasbecome a vital tourist attractionin the Lakewood community. Weagain had over 1,100 peoplevisit the Museum and over 1,200attended our events, programsand activities.
The Society received theInstitutional Achievement Awardfrom the Heritage League ofPierce County at their annualmeeting in recognition of thespecial edition of the “PrairieGazette” celebrating the 50thanniversary of the SeattleWorld’s Fair and the Aprilprogram presented by theauthors of “The Future Remem-bered”. See the rest of the storyunder AWARDS on page 11.
In early February the SocietyBoard had a half day retreat todiscuss, review and plan thegoals for the next year withemphasis on fund raising andmarketing. We realized we aresetting big goals that will needmore volunteers to assist us inthe planning and executing ofthem. We will be asking for youto consider joining an ongoingcommittee or involve yourselfin short term projects. See thedetails under NEED HELP onpage 8.
This year we will be doing moreoutreach in the community. Oneof the new activities will beparticipating in the LakewoodFarmers’ Market in partnershipwith other heritage organiza-tions. The City’s pilot project wasa huge success last year. Thisyear it will be weekly on
Tuesdays from 11 am-3 pmstarting June 4th throughSeptember 17th. Look for moreinformation in the nextnewsletter.
Another popular activity will bepursuing the installation ofseveral new historic markers.Plaques for four sites have beenfabricated: the Old SettlersCemetery, the Heath Farm, theLakewood Ice Arena andThornewood Castle. We plandedications but they are awaitingthe “perfect” rocks to mountthem on. If you happen to knowwhere boulders can be located,please contact Glen Spieth at253-584-3930.
We have some excitingprograms planned this year.Several of them will showcaselocal businesses. The first waspresented on Feb. 19th featuringHarold LeMay, founder of LeMayEnterprises. His fame as a carcollector exceeded even hissuccess in business but the storybehind the man and his businessis just as fascinating, as you’llsee on page 6.
In March we will be celebratingWomen’s History Month byshowcasing Women in Aviation:Then and Now. The WASPS(Women’s Airforce ServicePilots) and current women pilotsassigned to McChord Field willbe honored.
If you have a topic you wouldlike presented as a programdon’t hesitate to inform any ofthe board members so we canput it on the schedule later thisyear or next year for sure.
As always, we thank you for yourcontinued interest and support,
By Phil Raschke
The Heritage League of PierceCounty recently presented theirThird Annual RecognitionAwards at the Washington StateHistory Museum. Karen Hass,President and Master ofCeremonies made the awardsfollowing recommendations fromthe League’s awards committee.
The Lakewood Historical Societyreceived the Heritage League2012 Institutional AchievementAward for their acclaimed “TheFuture Remembered” programwhich highlighted the 50thAnniversary of the Seattle World’sFair and related events in theLakewood area. The programincluded a special 12 page editionof the Society’s “Prairie Gazette”newsletter. Becky Huber, Presi-dent of the Lakewood HistoricalSociety accepted the award.
Lakewood resident Phil Raschkereceived the League’s “Commun-ity Connections” award for his“Historical Phil” radio series whichairs daily at 9:30 a.m. on KLAYRadio, 1180 AM. The “HistoricalPhil” show provides PierceCounty listeners with a dailyhistorical look at interestingpeople and events in the PierceCounty area. Cited programsincluded “Tacoma’s Old
Woman’s Gulch”, “The CushmanIndian School and Hospital”,“Spanaway, How a Unique CityGot Its Unique Name” and “EarlySteilacoom Pioneer Laura BelleDowney Bartlett”. Raschke is oneof the original members of theLakewood Arts Commission anda Board member of theLakewood Playhouse.
Local journalist and historianSteve Dunkelberger received theLeague’s “Heritage AdvocateAward” for his books, numerousfeature writings, lectures and hisuntiring efforts to preserve thelocal history of the area. Alongwith Walter Neary, he co-authored the “Images of America”book on the history of Lakewood.The book is currently availableat the Lakewood HistoryMuseum. (See page 9 for moreabout Steve—and how you canhelp with an upcoming book)
The Heritage League of PierceCounty helps gives voice andexposure to over 44 historicalorganizations located withinPierce County. Guest speakerfor the event was Bennish Brown,President and CEO of theTacoma Regional Conventionand Visitors Bureau.
Page 11Page 2
PresidentBecky Huber • 253-582-8682
Vice PresidentGlen Spieth • 253-584-3930
SecretarySue Scott • 253-588-6354
TreasurerGary Fowler • 253-584-3958
DirectorsSue BoguszewskiLTG Bill Harrison
Kris KauffmanBarbara Lord Nelson
Lee OlsonLarry SaundersBarbara Scott
Jim TaylorDirector Emeritus
Cyrus Happy IIIMuseum Consultants
Mary BowlbyMeg Justus
PRAIRIE GAZETTE
Prairie Gazette is the official publication of theLakewood Historical Society. The newsletter ispublished four times a year. Distribution is directlyto members and available at the Lakewood HistoryMuseum, 6211 Mt Tacoma Drive SW, Lakewood,WA 98499. Phone: 253-682-3480
The staff of Prairie Gazette actively encouragesinput from the Society’s members as well as thegeneral public regarding story ideas of any otheraspects of this newsletter, and the LakewoodHistorical Society.
Content of this publication is copyright protectedby the Society and/or the authors and artists.
MEETINGS
The Lakewood Historical Society formed in 1998to preserve and share Lakewood’s rich historythrough programs, displays and publications. TheSociety offers frequent programs on topics ofhistorical interest. Most programs are free andopen to the public. Visit us on Facebook or ourwebsite for information on events and activities:
www.LakewoodHistorical.org
Lakewood Historians Receive Awardspay it back as Iwas able, whichwas only twoand a halfyears.”
Dr. Kloppingmeanwhile hadalways held afoothold in theActive ArmyReserve at Ft.Lewis during
WW II, where he was honored withthe Legion of Merit for this service.
During the War, Clapp and the dentiststruck up another deal.
“I made a deal with him to leave myoffice just as it was and I would returnas soon as possible to resume mydentistry.
“We kept the deal.”
After the War the office reopenedwith one chair; it now has 12 chairs(1987), with three associates andtwo dental hygienists.
While in the Active Army ReserveDr. Klopping commanded the 6255thDental Service Detachment andretired after 15 years of duty as aColonel. While in the Service, heattended all ten in a series of one-week courses at Walter ReedGeneral Hospital and ResearchCenter at Bethesda, MD.
In April 1987, the Pierce CountyDental Society honored Dr. Kloppingfor 50 years of service andmembership in the society.
At that time Dr. Klopping and Mr.Clapp had maintained their longfriendship. During a Chamber ofCommerce luncheon that summer,Dr. Klopping reminded Mr. Clappabout their long-ago bicycle race,challenging him to repeat the feat.Clapp, 82 at the time, declined,later commenting that he receivedhis first and last heat stroke at that1937 event.
KLOPPING Continued from page 3
Phil Raschke, Becky Huber and Steve Dunkelberger
Veterans HospitalCelebrates 90 Years
of ServiceInformation compiled from a 30-page
history of the American Lake VAHospital, by Gary Reese and Frank
Jackson, in the Tacoma Public Library’sNorthwest Room archives.
By Nancy Covert
Seventy-five years after Capt.Charles Wilkes led his marinesin a celebration of the firstAmerican Fourth of July on theplains of American Lake, knownthen by its Native American nameof Spotsith, a group of 150Tacoma businessmen presenteda petition to the Board of PierceCounty Commissioners askingthem to call a special election to
authorize the issuance of $2million in bonds for purchasingthe American Lake site for aCantonment.
The Commissioners agreed, andthe election was set for January6, 1917. Authorization passed,and the American Lake site was
purchased. Snow-clad Mt.Rainier guarded its easternhorizon, and American Lakebounded it on the west.
A revocable license from the WarDepartment, signed by theSecretary of the Army and datedJanuary 3, 1923, leased 377acres of the army’s 87,000-acreCamp Lewis (later Fort Lewis;today Joint Base Lewis McChord)for the Veterans Hospital atAmerican Lake, said to have themost beautiful physical setting ofall the Veterans Administrationhospitals.
The 377 acres includes approx-imately 91 acres in lawns, 25acres in general farming, fiveacres in berries, and approxi-mately 60 acres in a nine-hole
golf course, all surrounded by anadditional 1,120 acres of woodedlands. The soil is filled with rockfragments characteristic of glacialdrift. The buildings, of Spanish-American type architecture, arenestled along a beautifulshoreline of 1.8 miles.
According to the Department ofVeterans Affairs website, theUnited States has the mostcomprehensive system forveterans of any nation in theworld. This system traces its rootsback to 1636 when the Pilgrimsof Plymouth Colony were at warwith the Pequot Indians. ThePilgrims passed a law stating that
disabled soldiers would besupported by the colony.
The Continental Congress of1776 encouraged enlistmentsduring the Revolutionary War byproviding pensions for disabledsoldiers. In the early days of theRepublic, individual States andcommunities provided directmedical care.
Non-Profit OrgUS Postage Paid
Tacoma, WAPermit #356
Lakewood Historical SocietyP.O. Box 98014Lakewood, WA 98496
Find us on Facebook (search for Lakewood Historical Society Washington State)or check our website for more information and current events: www.LakewoodHistorical.org
Continued on page 10
What’s Inside:President’s Message................2Hawaiian Raffle...........................3Dr. Klopping, DDS.......................3Donors, Members......................4Finances...................................5Our First Shopping Center............5472nd Signal Co Update..............6Remembering Harold LeMay.......6New in the Artist’s Corner...........8We Need Your Help!.................8Authors Want Your Photos............9Local Historians Honored...........11Programs & Events.....................12
I spent the first eleven yearsof my life in a mental hospital.Before you gasp and say,‘Well, she certainly seemsOK to me,’ let me explain thatmy father, Dr. Norman Mace,was a psychiatrist at theVeterans Hospital onAmerican Lake near Tacoma,Washington.”
—Peggy Mace Bal
American Lake Veterans Hospital, Lakewood, Washington
Programs and Activities for Winter 2013
Thurs, March 7th, 5:30-7 pm- Reception for new artist, George Zantua, Lakewood History Museum,6211 Mt Tacoma, DR SW, refreshments served.
Tues, March 19th, 7 pm-History of Women in Aviation: Then and Now; celebrating Women’s HistoryMonth, the WASPS (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) of WW II and women pilots from McChord Fieldwill be honored.
Thurs, March 21st, 7 am-Grave Concerns Association: No Longer Anonymous: Restoring Identity withDignity, Lakewood United program, Burs Restaurant, 6151 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood.
SAVE THE DATE! New Exhibit opens Sat, April 6th, Lakewood History Museum, 6211 Mt TacomaDr SW, Ribbon Cutting at 1 PM, refreshments served.
Tues, April 16th, 7 pm- Lakewood’s Pioneer Commercial Development, history of Lakewood ColonialCenter, opened in 1937 and Villa Plaza, opened in 1957; the planned shopping centers that provided theLakes District residents with all of the services and products within their own community.
