Ruth Bogue Baker

Ruth Bogue Baker (right)

Seeing the obituary for Ruth Bogue Baker in Wednesday, May 16, 2013, "Peninsula Gateway" reminded me of how quickly people and their contributions to the history of a community fade.  Other than stooping to read the City of Gig Harbor's historical marker about Ruth Bogue at the head of the harbor, what do today's residents remember about her? 

Perhaps a short recap of some of the highlights in Ruth's history is in order.

Ruth Magnuson was born in Wenatchee on January 20, 1925 and was raised by her parents in Seattle.  She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1942.  She started her higher education at the University of Washington in pre-law but following her marriage to Dr. Charles Bogue in 1946 dropped out of school.  

Ruth and her husband moved to Gig Harbor in 1952 when their first child was born.  As a newcomer to a new town, Ruth became involved in community activities -- when time allowed. One such activity was with the Peninsula Orthopedic Guild.  When her youngest child entered school, Ruth, too ,decided to go to school and enrolled at Puget Sound University. She studied history and German.  

Ruth said in an interview with "The Peninsula Gateway" that "My real involvement with anything civic began when I read in the paper that the city was going to build a new city hall…and they were going to allocate a 14 foot by 14 foot square area for a library.  I called (city hall) and said surely we could do better than that.  Jake Bujacich (then mayor) called me up later and said 'I agree - and furthermore I appoint you chairman of the library board.' "

Ruth's efforts culminated in a new library built on Judson Street, the building which now houses the Chamber of Commerce (next to West Marine. The "new" city hall was located in the building that is now Timberland Bank on Judson.)

Six months passed and a vacancy came up on the City Council; Jake again called Ruth and asked her to fill the vacancy.  She accepted and retained the council seat through three elections.  In 1978, Jake ran for a position on the Pierce County Council and when he was elected, the city council appointed Ruth to fill the remainder of Jake's  unexpired  term.

Ruth's desire to be the best and most effective mayor she could be caused her to contact some of her friends at Evergreen State College in Olympia for help.  And help they did.  They created a course called "Transition to Mayor" and Ruth spent one day every two weeks in Olympia.  Evergreen State College assigned two student consultants to come to Gig Harbor to help her identify and solve city problems.  Ruth graduated in 1978 with a degree in Urban Planning from Evergreen.

The first thing Ruth and her consultants did was to reorganize the workings of city hall -- department by department.  The Evergreen consultants performed independent analyses and provided suggestions for correcting potential problems.  As with most change, those dealing with personnel were the most difficult for those involved.  But the result of all the hard work made the mayor's position a managerial position of people and systems and no longer a full-time job.  Time during Ruth's tenure was then spent on staff meetings, public relations, trouble-shooting, presiding over council meetings, and interpreting council's intent on various items.

After 17 years serving the needs of the City of Gig Harbor, Ruth retired at age 60.  She had a long list of personal goals she wished to accomplish - travel and live in Sweden, her ancestral home  (she had studied Swedish for nine years), visit southeast England, hiking, bird-watching, reading, photography, ...and the list went on.

Be sure to stop by the Ruth M. Bogue Harbor Viewing Platform at the head of the bay. The city built this viewpoint to honor Gig Harbor's first woman mayor for her service to the city from 1978 to 1985.

Note:  Ruth and Charles Bogue's marriage ended in divorce and both remarried.  Ruth's marriage to Gus Baker ended with his death in 1992.

© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.

Wednesday May 17, 1882 Emmett Hunt's Diary

Considerably breezy again otherwise fine day.  Did some calling & began dressing the surface of the yacht.

© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.

Theresa Catherine Cambridge Sweeney

Theresa Sweeney

The next time you go to Anthony's Homeport on North Harborview take a moment to walk just a few steps further and spend a couple of minutes reading the historical marker devoted to Theresa Sweeney and the Sweeney Building. Theresa, along with many other women who immigrated to the Gig Harbor peninsula, made a lasting contribution to the history and growth of our community.

Theresa was born in Antrim County, Ireland in 1873 into a large Catholic family. She attended public schools and completed her education at Sister's College in Blackburn, England.  At age 19 she decided to visit an uncle living in Chicago and to visit the World's Fair to be held in October 1893.  While visiting she met James Sweeney, and they were married the following June.

James and Theresa had six children, though a baby girl was stillborn and Daniel, born 1907, lived only two days. The other children were James J., born 1897, Patrick F., born 1900, John E., born 1903, and Henry Leo, born 1904.

In 1908, Theresa, James, and their children moved to Washington, and liking the Gig Harbor peninsula, bought forty acres of land in Rosedale near the Sandin family farm. The Sweeney's cleared the land, built a large house, and operated a general farm and dairy until 1915, They later sold 10 acres, following a fire which destroyed the house. Although the barn was transformed into living quarters, Theresa moved into Gig Harbor and her husband, James, remained at the farm. Theresa bought property at the head of the harbor where she built a new home.  She operated a small store and real estate office out of the house and when she was appointed postmistress added the post office as well. Theresa served as postmistress for eight years.

Sweeney's Gig Harbor house on today's North Harborview Drive
(current site of Anthony's Restaurant parking lot)

Finding her business improving and wishing to expand, in 1922 Theresa built the Sweeney Building across the street to house her mercantile business, which grew into a well-stocked department store -- according to the publicity at the time.  However, she did not occupy the entire building. Always the best business person, she rented part of the building to the new post office, a restaurant, to the first dentist (and first mayor) Dr. Harold Ryan, and a pharmacy.

Sweeney Building
(current site: empty lot beside Anthony's Restaurant)

Theresa had a keen interest in the development of the community and as well as buying and selling a good deal of property, she was actively engaged in community affairs. Unfortunately, the Sweeney Building was destroyed by fire in the late 1920s; replaced and then in the late 1940s the second building was demolished. Nothing replaced Sweeney's buildings. Even today, it is an empty lot.

In 1923, Theresa was appointed the first woman Justice of the Peace for Gig Harbor and she served for four years in this new position. Other activities included trustee of the Gig Harbor Fair Association, trustee of St. Nicholas Church where she was actively engaged in fundraising for the building of the new church. She also belonged to the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, the Women's Voters' League, Parent-Teacher Association and a member of the Pierce County Democratic Club.  In fact, in 1926 Theresa was a candidate for legislature and despite running a good race, she lost...understandable since Pierce County was a Republican stronghold.

By 1927 her son, James, had married and was living in Tacoma with his wife and two sons. Patrick Francis and John E. were living at home. Henry Leo was attending theological college
 in eastern Washington, where he was ordained as a Jesuit priest in June 1936.

Theresa Sweeney died unexpectedly, at age 68, in St. Joseph's Hospital. She was survived by her husband, James, her four sons, a brother and sister in Ireland, and ten grandchildren. Her son, Rev. Leo Sweeney, SJ, was the celebrant of the funeral Mass held at St.Leo's Catholic Church in Tacoma, and the Rev. Fr. Hoen of St.  Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor delivered the sermon.

NOTE:  I was advised yesterday that the following information appeared in The Peninsula Gateway on November 2, 1967:

Nov 2, 1967:  Merle Crum objected to the Rock Shop “Building” [Sweeney] plans to remodel.  He objected to the permit because all toilets drained directly onto the beach.  County Health Dept. said to tear down the building.  Erosion has caused damage to the docks.  Permit was given, but no action.  

There was only one fire at the head of the bay and that was January 4, 1945 when the gasoline station burned down and burned George Keeney's Cabinet shop, as far as the cement block building today holding the Harbor Homes, etc.  The high school boys were let go from Union HS to help save Dr. Darling's offices in one of the buildings now known as Marketplace Grill.  The fireboat from Tacoma wouldn't come.  The Sweeney Block was to the left of that, where the sign is.  

She died in 1942 from the effects of a broken hip after several months in the hospital, but yes, it was unexpected as she was such a strong woman, and definitely a great lady.  

© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.

Wednesday May 10, 1882 Emmett Hunt's Diary

Stormy day.  Arthur's scow "Gen Arthur" - cut loose on Monday night still gone.  Put on the last 2 strips of the boat, made a steam box, removed the model (& molds) & several other small jobs.

© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.

Savage Ancient Sea Monsters in Gig Harbor!

Don't miss this new exhibit at the Harbor History Museum...

Savage Ancient Seas...through July 14

As the tag line says...when dinosaurs ruled the land, sea monsters ruled the sea.  And we're showing some of the biggest prehistoric sea monsters of all time.

Travel back 65 to 145 million years ago to the dark waters of the Western Interior Seaway. Experience a world of huge carnivorous marine reptiles with double-hinged jaws and teeth in the middle of their palates, gigantic flesh-eating fish big enough to swallow an adult human whole, flying reptiles with three-foot skulls, and the biggest sea turtles to have ever lived. Unrivaled for their amazing varieties, voracious appetites, incredible teeth, and gaping jaws, the creatures in this exhibition are unlike anything known in today's world.

This exhibition, developed and created by Triebold Paleontology, brings prehistoric marine skeletons "up close and personal" -- as well as providing engaging informational kiosks, graphic panels, and touch specimens. Together, they provide visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for these magnificent sea creatures.

And, special programming from Harbor WildWatch helps bring today's sea creatures into the museum! Be sure to stop by for...

Touch Tanks: Invertebrate Investigations...May 11, June 15, July 6; 11 am to 2 pm (museum lobby; free; does not include museum admission to exhibits)

Ocean Crafts: May 18 and June 29; 11 am to 2 pm; no charge (does not include museum exhibit admissions)

Special Lectures:

May 9: Jeff Christensen from the Seattle Aquarium presents the lecture "Sixgill Shark Research"
6:30 pm (no charge)

June 20: Joanne Moore presents "From Gig Harbor to the Arctic" 6:30 pm (no charge)

All programming takes place at the Harbor History Museum...see you there!



© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.

Wednesday May 3, 1882 Emmett Hunt's Diary

Stormy by spells with some sunshine.  Put on 8 whole strips today & 4 pieces.

© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.

The Ross Family

As you wander through the museum you'll find the Ross family well represented, or you might happen to meet one of our docents, Rosemary Ross, hard at work with the Midway classes of young children.  I thought you might enjoy learning a little more about the family Rosemary married into.  There is so much more to tell about this prominent family that what is contained in this brief blog; but it's a start.

John (Yodrossich) Ross Sr. arrived in Gig Harbor in 1888. He had left his home on the island of Premuda in the Adriatic Sea on a year-long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean traveling down the around Cape Horn and up along the west cost of South America, Baja California and the west coast of the US arriving in Gig Harbor. 

He was the first white settlers in Gig Harbor and first built a cabin near the sand pit.  From there he ran an eight man oar boat and the crew set the nets and pulled the catch in, all by hands.  He was one of the first Gig Harbor fishermen to take his open vessel north to the San Juans and Alaska where he and the crew camped ashore at night to cook and collect both fuel and water.  Even then, they were gone for three months at a time.  

John's first purse seiner was a 45-foot open vessel named "Bogdon" was built in Seattle at the H. W. Lake Shipyard in 1909 and powered by a 20 h.p. Frisco Standard gas engine.  John Sr. had named it after his son "Danny" who passed away as a young boy.  John operated the "Bogdan" in the Puget Sound until 1914 when he sold it.  He immediately had his new boat, a 52-foot seiner "Brooklyn" built at the Strubstad yard in Tacoma. 

He was one of the first Gig Harbor fishermen to take his open vessel north to the San Juans and Alaska where he and the crew camped ashore at night to cook and collect both fuel and water.  Even then, they were gone for three months at a time.  

In October 1902 John Sr. purchased Lot 8 Block 6 in the Town of Millville for $350, and in September 1907 purchased Lot 9 for $100.  John Ross Sr. died on July 20, 1928 leaving behind his brother Luca Ross, his sons John Ross Jr. and Emmett Ross, four daughters, Mrs. Anna Musnov, Mrs. Fannie Brumcev, Mrs. Winnie Brycicick and Miss Agnes Ross and 16 grandchildren.  Emmett, Adam and Johnnie Ross all began their long fishing careers as skippers in the early 1920s.  

His son, John Ross, Jr. was one of the first non-Indian children born in Gig Harbor, and he carried on his father's tradition of fishing not only in Puget Sound but also in the San Juans and Alaska.  John Jr. also skippered the early ferry boats"Skansonia" and "Defiance" whose run was between Gig Harbor and Pt. Fosdick and "The City of Tacoma" run from Pt. Fosdick and Fox Island. John Jr.the oldest son also ran "Providence" and "Advocator" for Lee Makovich Sr.  He also skippered the "Majestic", "Juno" and Gerald Crosby's "Sea Comber".    

His purse seiner was named "Home II" which he owned with his brothers Adam and Emmett.  It was built at Blind Slough, Oregon in 1916 and was 62-foot powered by 40 h.p. Frisco Standard powered. Adam Ross Sr. ran the vessel exclusively from 1924 when they bought it until he fell ill in 1966.  During the mid-1940s the vessel was completely rebuilt by the master carpenter Jack Bujacich, Sr. repowered with a Cumminns diesel.  Adam was a top skipper around the Sa Juan Islands and he and the "Home II" provided a training ground of sorts for a number of future skippers.  His son, Adam Jr. was one of those future skippers who eventually owned and operated the "Chinook" in the Puget Sound.  Adam Jr. sold "Chinook" and in and  had a new 58-foot seiner "Adana R" built in Richmond, California at the Don Bishop yard.  "Adana R" was operated in southeast Alaska until Adam Jr. retired in 1994.

In 1923 it is believed that Emmett had his first year as skipper of Lee Makovich Sr.'s "Providence".  Story has it that the first year Emmett skippered he took the "Providence" out and was scouting Eagle Point (San Juan Island) and suddenly fish were jumping everywhere.  Even though it was a Sunday closure, Emmett couldn't resist.  He went in for the haul and filled his net, and the crew pulled the net in as fast as possible hoping the fish commissioner didn't show up.  They filled the hatch and the deck with hum pies and 2 or 3 nets (brailer) into the skiff.  

The 3 Ross brothers got the 63-foot "Westland" in 1928 so that now they had 2 boats among the 3 brothers.  It is believed that because Johnnie still wanted to skipper ferryboats when he wasn't fishing they did not acquire 3 boats.  In the 1940s "Westland" was rebuilt from the guards up acquiring a new pilot house and again the carpenter was Jack Bujacich Sr.  Then in 1970 they sold it.Emmett and Spiro Babich had one of the closest competitions always trying to outdo the other.  Sometimes the 2 of them would be the only fishing boats out. 

From the beginning in 1888 through the years the Ross men lived by the sea and fishing.  Their boats ranged from Alaska to Mexico harvesting salmon, tuna, anchovie, crab and sardine.  The family fleet of boats carried the names of "Bogdon", "Juneau", "Brookdale",  "Westland", "Chinook", "Home II", "Marilyn R." and "Adana R." 

© 2012 Harbor History Museum. All rights reserved.