Pacific became an incorporated city in 1909.  City Council notes record dealings with many business establishments.  At one meeting a license for the Olson Brother's Saloon, asking $400.00 for one year, was given with the stipulation that only people living in Pacific be hired.  The saloon was in connection with a hotel.  Also mentioned is a copy of a city ordinance requesting the city clerk to publish the city ordinances in the official newspaper of Pacific City.

In "early" days Pacific City was centered in the vicinity of Third Avenue and towards what is now West Valley Highway.  Among the establishments were:

• Arnold's Hotel
• Cook's Grocery
• A barber shop
• Luthburrow's Bakery
• a blacksmith shop
• a livery barn
• Cox's store (later called Wadells's Store) at Tacoma Boulevard and 3rd Ave.
  
• Baptist Church at this end of town ???
  
• a sawmill
• a rollerskating rink
• a saloon (owned by Babe Weaver)
• a grocery and feed store (owned by Mr. Lantz)

Lantz was later bought out by Babe Weaver and made the business a grocery store and post office.  Weaver was postmaster for many years.  This post office was at the corner of Third Avenue and St. Paul Avenue next to the railroad tracks. At this time in our history the Milwaukee, Chicago, and St. Paul Railroad workers delivered Pacific City mail by throwing the mail off the train as it went past Weaver's store.  Babe Weaver in turn threw the Pacific City mail bag on the train as it slowly passed the store.  In 1923 Weaver's store and post office were robbed by two men.  They grabbed the money and Weaver "jumped them".  In the scuffle a gun was dropped, Babe picked up the gun and shot at the men, but they got away.  Weaver was shot twice.

Our Schools

In 1906 a real estate office run by Mr. Hillman was in a building on the west side of town.  School was held in the upstairs rooms.  The first teacher was a Mr. Bagley.  About 1907 the youngsters had to cross the railroad tracks and attended school in a house owned by the Whisler family.  At this time the Methodist Church was built and the school was held there about 1908.  Later there were two buildings used for the school.  These were located behind the current gym.  One held classes for grades 1, 2, 3 and 4.  The other was used for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8.  Later a three story schoolhouse was built and grade 9 and 10 were added.  The two buildings behind the gym were moved to near the west end of town.  A partition was removed and the larger building of the two buildings became a rollerskating rink.  The smaller building became a grocery and feed store.

Our Utilities

In 1919 the Pacific City Electric Light Company was built by the community.  Ed Dyler ran it in the beginning.  Later a Mr. Jolly was the supervisor.  As more and more people moved in, and as more electric stoves, etc. became available, the City system became inadequate.  The system was rebuilt for more power and was later sold to Puget Power in 1965.

The growing population created a water shortage.  Terry Thompson was the municipal bondsman.  He needed more money to get more water and the City needed a bond to pay for it.  But first they had to find water.  Several geologists had failed to discover any water veins so Art Hollingsworth and his friend George Kinney decided to look for water with a forked willow stick.  This is called "water witching".  Finding water this way is called "dowsing".  They found a vein 14 to 20 feet deep.  This is where our present wells are located.  Mr. Thompson said he questioned selling bonds on the strength of a willow stick, but they dug a hole about 12 ½ feet deep and up gushed the water...  the finest and purest in Washington.

Gius Market

Our Gius store opened in the spring of 1934 "kitty corner" from the present location in a leased building.  After one year Dick Gius acquired the post office near the train tracks.  The owners of the building would not renew the lease thinking they would be able to take over the store and the post office.

Dick consulted a grocer friend in Fife and then he decided to buy the corner across the street and start a new store.  Dick's father, a semi-retired carpenter, built the new store in less than one month.  So Dick and Angie and company moved across the street with store and post office.  That was in 1936.

Shortly after World War II, Cliff Fry joined the Gius Market as a meat cutter manager and the business began to grow.  The Gius building has been added on to seven times.

Through good times and bad times everyone and everything stuck together.

In 1978 Ron Gius and Barb Gius purchased the business from Dick and Angie.  At the present time the market is managed by Joyce Madden. In 1985 Rob Pedvini became night manager.  Rob being Dick's grandson represents the fourth generation to help in the family grocery. In 1989 Joyce Madden's son Phil Brewer  was added to the staff of the Gius Market.

Our families serving you and yours since 1934.

Our Jail

Located on Southeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and 4th Avenue, it was built about 1910.  The walls were 2 X 4's laid horizontally and nailed together. The two cells were in the back.  The single room in front is where the Council members met.  Only one prisoner was ever held overnight.  At this time there was only one marshal in the town.

Another early condition of the city was the road problem.  Because of the soft ground, roads were made of split cedar logs called puncheon roads. Sidewalks were made of 1 X 12 planks and later replaced by 2 X 6's. Concrete sidewalks and paved roads were used after the 1930's.

The Interurban Railway

The Interurban railway was started in 1901 when it was called the Seattle-Tacoma Interurban Railway.  While under construction in 1902, it changed hands and became the Seattle Electric Company and later the Puget Sound Electric Railway.

It was opened for business on September 25, 1902, and ran from Georgetown in Seattle to downtown Tacoma.  It passed through the White River valley and the towns of Renton, Kent, Auburn, and Pacific.  Service was later extended to downtown Seattle and Puyallup.  The fare for a one way trip was 60 cents and one dollar for round trip.

The system was very successful.  80% of income came from passenger fares and 20% from freight fees.  Five years after it opened the company showed a profit of $184,000.  By 1910 it carried over 3 million persons yearly.  By 1920 hard surfaced roads were developed which helped auto, truck, and bus service.  This cut into Interurban patronage.  The Interurban's last run was on December 31, 1928.

Algona/Pacific Senior Center

1916 1967 1975 1975 1975 1975 1976 1976 1976 1977 1977 1978 1978 1980 1980 1981 1981

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Pacific School became first neighborhood senior center Community potluck dinner at Pacific City Park City of Pacific received $78,000 towards a multipurpose center from the State Department of Social and Health Services.  A $64,000 U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant allowed the City to convert an old school gymnasium into a community center.  The plan involved the construction of a building with 3,200 square feet of floor space as well as providing for other service. Pacific sponsored a kite flying contest.  The City fire truck served as a platform for the contest's chairperson, Evelyn Clark, the Recreation Aide for Pacific There was a Pacific Bike Rodeo held at the Pacific City Park.  "Only six people showed up due to the poor weather," said Evelyn Clark, the coordinator of the event. Carl Spratley taught ballroom and social dancing at the Community Center. Pacific Community Facility Coordinator was Patty Kipponhan.  A contest was held to select a name for the seniors.  Sarah Barnes was the winner with "Young at Heart".  The Young at Heart senior citizens of Pacific and Algona meet the first and third Tuesdays to keep people informed of activities and services available. To welcome people to the creation of the Pacific Neighborhood Building a senior citizen band performed from 2 PM to 4 PM June 21st.  Stores in the area donated cakes. The center still needed cooking and baking utensils. A Halloween dance sponsored by the Fire Department was cancelled at the Neighborhood Building because 400 residents bought tickets which was too many for the building. The Pacific Neighborhood Center received a letter addressed to Mr. Wayne Massic from Henry M. Jackson, United States Senator, promising help for the Center. There were free movies for the seniors and youngsters at the Center using the King County Library's collection. The first annual Big Deal Festival was held at the Pacific City Park featuring a tricycle contest. The Neighborhood Center sponsored a basketball tournament played at the Community Center. "Pacific Days" included these activities the Pacific Center: a flea market, a fire fighters contest, and music by the "Apple Blossom Ramblers".  Also featured: a senior pie sale, a poker bicycle race, relay races, and a dog contest with dogs catching frisbees. Rays Evans and Jim Moses were involved in a waterball game at "Pacific Days". News from Pat Graham concerning taxes was sent out for a seniors meeting held on February 20th. "Pacific Days" was held on July 19th which included a book sale, crafts exhibit and sales, fire department waterball game.There were two competing departments moving a beer keg down a line using fire hoses.  Pat Graham was the coordinator.

In 1992???? there are over 300 members registered for nutrition lunches, health and social services at the Senior Center.

The Pacific Police Department

The present Police/Fire department building was dedicated in March 1979.

As of October 1989, there was one chief and five full time officers, including one sergeant.  The was also 12 reserve officers.

Here are activities that took place place during 1989:

• MAPO - meet a police officer at ALPAC Elementary
  
• Halloween Haunted House
  
• Halloween Safety Program at ALPAC
  
• DARE program at ALPAC
• Auburn Youth Resources - Chief of Pacific Police is on the Executive Board
• Day Care/Preschool Safety Program
• Commercial/Residential Crime Prevention Program
• Pacific Days - Karate Demonstration, Reserve Officer Security Program
• Neighborhood Crime Watch
• American Cancer Society Jail and Bail
• Annual School Patrol Awards at ALPAC
• Community Food Bank Canned Food Drive

The Pacific Fire Department

The first fire department used a hand-drawn, 2 wheel, 2 hose cart pulled by people helping to put out fires.

In 1932 the Pacific City Council decided to organize a fire department.  A man named Marion Hughs was asked to organize it.  Carl Nyberg was chosen as the first Fire Chief and Dick Gius was his assistant.  Someone heard about a 1922 Packard touring car that was for sale.  It was only a 12 cylinder car, but the Council said "let's buy it." ...But they had no place to store this car.

Mr. Hollingsworth, Sr., Art Hollingsworth's father, said you "You can park it in my driveway".  The firemen decided to remove off the top off the car and when Mrs. Hollingsworth said it was too bad to remove the top.   Carl replied, "It's okay because they weren't going out if it rained."  A Mr. Wolf on Valentine Avenue helped to make the car into a truck.They took off the back seat and placed two chemical tanks there, put a front mount pump on it to draw water out of the ditches.

Later the City had a chance to buy a "Troop Truck" from Fort Lewis for  $1.00 and got an extra pump with the truck. Next they bought a manufactured truck from McMillan, Oregon for $5,000.

In 1965 money became available when the City sold the electric power system to Puget Power and Light.  Carl Nyberg and Dick Gius went to Detroit, Michigan and bought a 1965 Ford Truck.  They drove it to Oregon where a manufactured fire truck body was put on it.  The cost of this project was $65,000.  This truck is still in service (in 1992???).  Carl Nyberg retired in 1972.  He was the Fire Chief for 30 years.

I (who???) joined the Pacific Fire Department in February 1967.  At that time the officers were: Chief Carl Nyberg, Assistant Chief Dick Gius, Captain Owen Campbell, and Lieutenant Cliff Fry.  I (???) joined after helping out at a fire on 4th Avenue SW and then being approved by Captain Campbell and Fireman Bill Morgan.  I applied and was accepted.

Drills were held on Wednesday night the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 PM.  We would take the engine out, lay hose, and pump water... drilling on how to handle the equipment.

In the first part of 1972, Carl Nyberg and Dick Gius both retired, being the last of the original Fire Depatment that was formed in July 1932.  At that time Cliff Fry became Chief and Roy Heitmann Assistant Chief.

In the summer of 1972 one of the biggest fires in the area happened at the "Coppers", a laminated beam factory just over in Pierce County at 8th Street and just west of the river.  It could be seen for miles and there were 10 or 12 fire companies that fought it together.

In October 1977 the Pacific Fire Department got its first aid car, the money coming from donations from the people of the City.  The donations were collected in three days by Councilman Nick Dorsey and a group of citizens.  The aid car was bought from Boeing Company for $1,481.  Emergency medical relief help to the people of this City was greatly improved by this vehicle.

Cliff Fry became the next Chief and as Chief he purchased a truck from Federal Way. This truck had a diesel engine in it. 

The Auburn Fire Department have helped train the Pacific firemen and have always supported the Pacific Fire Department.

The Pacific Fire Department has always had a first class crew and have been a great service to his community.  In 1992??? there are 25 people in the department that make the health and welfare of citizens their highest interest.  Hours and hours have been spent in classroom training to improve individual  firefighter's fire fighting skills.  Emergency medical care is also a part of this training.

In 1976 the Fire Department moved out of the old fire station so that it could be removed along with several buildings at 133 3rd Avenue SE.  The new fire and police building would use the same address.  Temporarily the fire department moved into the old school play shed that would later become the Street and Water Department.  This was a very compact situation.  Hose was draped over the rafters to dry and a fire truck had to be parked outside so that there was room to hold meetings.  The firemen all took their bunker coats, helmets, pants, and boots, and kept them with them in their cars at home during this time.

When the Department moved into the new station, the Fire Department had to get used to all the room.  One bay had more room than the entire old station.

In 1983 Cliff Fry retired as Chief and Roy Heitman became the new Chief with Bob Bradley as the new Assistant Chief.  Skee Gofort and myself (???) became Captains.  In 1984 Bob Bradley moved out of town and resigned as Assistant Chief.   I (who ???) was moved up to Assistant Chief).

The training of firemen has progressed.  Newer firemen are no longer trained by older firemen.  Now State certified instructors are in the Department and the Pacific Fire Department is trained the same as other fire departments. This includes first aid and CPR training for all firemen, eight emergency medical technicians, and five first responders.

Campbell's Service Station (1943 to 1973)

Owen Campbell purchased the gas station from Hardin family in 1943.  The Hardins had owned the business for several years.  As remembered by early settlers, it had been owned previously by the Heppels. The Heppels had a confectionery.  Mrs. Heppel had a lunch counter where she sold soups and sandwiches.  The Hardins added two hand operated gas pumps and a few oil products, etc.

At the time the Campbells bought the store, Mr. Campbell was employed by the Todd shipyards in Tacoma, so Mrs. Campbell, and their two children (who were five and seven years of age) would watch the store until Dad got home at 4 PM.  That was the busy time of the day.  So the entire family had to help out.  After a couple of years Mr. Campbell was able to devote full  time to the store.  Soon there were new automatic gas pumps, larger storage tanks for gas, a lube room with an automatic hoist, a line of fishing tackle, and a few hunting supplies.  The store also was an agency for hunting and fishing licenses.  The ice cream counter was a busy section .  There were five high stools which were occupied to capacity when the kids in the community were home from school.

There was an apartment attached to the store where the Campbells lived which was very convenient... just get out of bed, open the door, and go to work.  The business continued grow, so outside help was needed.  Several men in community can still can remember when they worked at the station when they were in their teens.  The Campbells sold the business to the Duncans in 1973, who operated for a while and then sold it about 1977??? to Smalls??? who converted it to a restaurant and added a post office.
 

The Junkins Grocery Store

This store was located on the corner of of Third and Milwaukee.  Mr. and Mrs. Junkins operated it for many years, then leased it to the Gius family for a time until the Gius family built their own store across the street.  The Wagners and the Mohlers bought and operated the store over the years.  The Wagners ran it for a few years and then the Mohlers for many years.

The building was then sold to the Methodist church to be used as a parsonage and was later torn down.  Jeff Smith (the Frugal Gourmet on Channel 9) was one of the pastors who occupied the parsonage while a young student minister at the Methodist church.  He would always be willing to help the high school and college students in the community with their subjects.  It was a busy place at that time as he was a very intelligent young man.

Mrs. Junkins was very active in the Church, serving as treasurer for many years.  She and a wonderful lady named Nora Hedman, kept the Church going in those days...  from lighting the wood fires to superintending the Sunday School.

The Barber Shop and Beauty Parlor

This property is located at Third and Milwaukee.  Owen Campbell purchased the lots from Ed Dyler in about 1947 and had a small block building put on it since a barber in the area wanted a small place to start his business.  His name was Mr. Ball.  The building was large enough to be divided into two spaces.  Mrs. Eva Kruger, Mrs. Campbell's sister, started a clothing shop in the larger section of the building.  Later she decided to start an upholstery shop on her own property.  The Campbell building was then converted into a beauty parlor by the Heath Sisters who operated it for a few years and then sold their equipment to other beauticians.  The shop changed hands several times.  In 1973 the Campbells, who were then retiring, converted it into an apartment and decided to move into it.

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Algona  (by Robert Smith)

Early Algona

In the 1900's Algona was a booming community.There were two hotels to house the Northern Pacific Railroad workers.  There were wooden sidewalks and a red brick West Valley Highway.  A stairway led to the top of West Hill.

A chute from West Hill slid logs that fed an active sawmill.

Also, in 1909 Algona had...

• A post office
• A ladies' hat shop
• a bakery
• A butcher shop
• A slaughter house
• Three grocery stores
• A doctor's office
• A drug store
  
• A movie theater showing movies three times per week

The interurban train ran from Tacoma to Seattle.  It cost a quarter to ride from Algona to Seattle. This was in the 1900's.

Auburn continues to provide fire protection for Algona.  Algona offered its own schools, but in 1973 schools were merged into one elementary school in Pacific serving youngsters from both Algona and Pacific.

Algona became an incorporated city in 1955.  In 1967 there were these businesses in Algona:

• A cafe
• Two grocery stores
• Two service stations
• A second-hand antique store
• A truck repair garage
• A machine shop
• A bank
• A barber shop
• Three churches

Algona Police Department

The Algona Police Department includes the Chief of Police, four full time officers, and one police clerk, that provide 24 hour police protection to the community of Algona.

The Police Department provides routine patrol, emergency services, vacation house checks, traffic accident reports and fingerprinting on a regular basis.

The Algona Police Department is also involved in various crime prevention programs covering such topics as child abuse, narcotics, bicycle safety, theft, vandalism, and safety for senior citizens.  Programs are presented to groups on these subjects and others upon request.  Pamphlets and other publications on these topics and others can be picked up at the Police Department.

The Department also sponsors "Kids Night Out" once a month.  This is a brief child safety program followed by a movie in the City Council Chambers.  The Department is also involved in "Block Watch", a program in which you, your neighbors, and the police work together to reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of crime.

The Algona Police Department is as close as your telephone by calling 911.