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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1914 - Boeing's Ascent Started on the Water6 MARCH 2014 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Boeing's ascent started on the water BY PAT BRODIN TUKWILA HISTORICAL SOCIETY People from around the globe are often amazed when they learn that the Boeing Co. started out by building a flying machine that floated on water. On the Fourth of July, 1914, William E. Boeing had been inspired when pilot Terah Ma- roney brought his Curtiss floatplane to Seattle's Lake Washington. Boe- ing had met U.S. Navy Lt. Conrad Westervelt at Se- attle's University Club and discov- ered they had similar interests and a passion for aviation. One of the greatest turn- ing points in avia- tion history took place after that fateful flight on Lake Washington when Boeing and Westervelt determined they could build a better aircraft. It was a key moment that triggered the start of a great American company. • March 20, 7 p.m.: Regular monthly membership meeting of theTukwila Historical Society at Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center, 14475 59th Ave. S. • April 5, 1 to 4 p.m.: Open house at Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center, 14475 59th Ave. S. • April 17, 7 p.m.: Regular Monthly membership meeting of theTukwila Historical Society at Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center, 14475 59th Ave. S. The special black and white photogragh at left was shared by a friend of the Tukwila Historical Society whose father had worked for Boeing. The photo of the Pontoon Shop, dated Oct. 25, 1918, depicts how Boeing in its early years utilized women in the company's labor force. March is recognized as National Women's History Month by President Obama's proclamation on March 1. At right, is a photograph by Pat Brodin that shows Boeing's iconic Red Barn and next to it the Museum of Flight which tells the story of aviation history. The first Boeing seaplane was completed in June 1916 and was named the B & W after the initials of its design- ers, Boeing and Westervelt. Constructed of wood, linen and wire, it was similar to the Martin trainer that Boeing owned but the new B & W had, among other improve- ments, better pontoons and a more powerful engine. The B & W seaplane had initially been offered to the U.S. Navy. When the Navy declined Boeing's offer, they were sold to the New Zealand Flying School, signifying the company's first international sale. The company soon started design- ing airplanes for delivering airmail. In 1919 a Boeing air- craft carried the first international airmail from Canada to the United States. A year later, a Boeing airplane was the first to fly over Mount Rainier. The Boeing Company's original manufacturing building was founded in 1916 in the Duwamish Valley Corridor in a shipyard structure purchased by Boeing. Over time it became known as "The Red Barn." Originally built in 1909, the Red Barn (aka Building No. 105) was donated to the Museum of Flight by the Port of Seattle in 1975 and moved to its present location at Boeing Field/King County International Airport that same year. Boeing Field and air- strip is the site of the original Duwamish River channel and has the distinction of being the vicinity where the first King County settlers staked their claims. The Red Barn, located at 9404 East Marginal Way S. in Tukwila, contains an exhibit called "The Boeing Story 1916-1958" and rare artifacts of our aviation heritage. The iconic building was registered as a National Historic Place in 1971 and was joined to the main gallery in 1987. The Red Barn today is a standing, living testament which bestows tribute to Boe- ing's vision and American entrepreneurial ingenuity. Pat Brodin is past president of the Tukwila Historical Soci- ety, which operates the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Cen- ter. The center can be reached by phone at 206-244-HIST or via email at tukwilaheritagectr@tukwilahistory.org.