Photo Catalog Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Northern Bus Company on Tongass Avenue |
Image # |
2003.2.63.1302 |
Object Name |
Negative, Film |
Date |
1953 |
Photographer |
Saari, Paulu T. |
Location |
Ketchikan, Alaska |
Description |
Northern Bus Company on Tongass Avenue with Wingren Court Apartments under construction, 1953 The Ketchikan Daily News, Old Timers newspaper clipping, unknown publish date "Only the old-timers will remember that a person had to travel by boat to Ward Cove before the road was constructed. Eugene Wacker took a homestead near Ward Cove in 1907 and cultivated the land. After receiving a patent in 1920, he started the townsite of Wacker, established the post office on May 17 that same year, and became its first postmaster. His wife, Lillian, was assistant postmaster during that period. Gene Wacker was the moving spirit in getting the road built from Ketchikan to Ward Cove. It was completed in 1924. Shortly after the road was completed, he operated a bus or STAGE service from his village to the First City for many years. He was assisted by his sons, Victor and Philip Wacker. Phil drove the bus in 1948 at the age of 19. Meanwhile, Claude Pollock had organized and operated the White Cab and Bus Company. In 1938 Bill Eastham became his partner in the company. Three of the drivers were Al Hansberry, Dewey Barber and Kenny Eichner. Later all three were to become partners in the enterprise In 1942 Bill sold his interest to Dewey Barber, and Pollock sold his interest to Ken Eichner. Then Barber and Eichner became the owners. The name was changed to the Northern Bus Company in 1940. Dewey Barber eventually sold his interest to Ken Eichner, who then became sole owner. Tokens of the White Cab and Bus Co. and the Wacker Stage Line are collectors’ items. Lee Lewis came to Ketchikan in 1947. In July 1959 he bought the city franchise from Ken Eichner of Northern Bus Co., and named it the North Star Transit. He purchased a lot near the new hospital and built a garage on it in 1959-60. Lewis now has six transit coaches in preparation for extended routes when more streets and roads will be opened up. Many Ketchikan residents are looking forward to the time when the road to Harriet Hunt Lake will be completed. In 1948 Wacker sold 50 acres of homestead land to the Bellingham Pulp & Paper Company, and the Ketchikan Pulp Company is now located there. The name of Wacker was offically changed to Ward Cove in October 1951." Ketchikan Daily News 2/13/1954 "Big Wingren Court Opens Tomorrow The long days of "waiting to see" what it will be like are over tomorrow for those Ketchikan residents who have shown a marked interest in the new 121 unit Wingren court apartment ‘building. The modern reinforced concrete structure has., its final coat of paint on the inside and open house will be held tomorrow to let the people know what the building is like on the inside. It is expected the outside of the building will be painted in the spring. Those attending the preview open house will find luxurious apartments designed for the maximum living comfort whether in a multiple or single bedroom apartment. Interior decorations are in the most beautiful taste, featuring both pastel colors and the brighter tones. VIEW OF CHANNEL The expansive windows on the view side of the building give occupants of the apartments commanding views of the channel, surrounding islands and a view of all transportation arriving and departing from the community. The building was constructed by L. E. Baldwin, Seattle contractor, Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Wingren are co-owners of the new building. To assure maximum safety for occupants, the structure was designed to withstand much more than the most severe earth temblor ever re corded in Ketchikan. Its reinforced concrete construction, with firewalls throughout, also makes it fireproof. Each apartment has the advantage of efficient radiant heat. The 11-story building is rectangular in shape and is 45 by 200 feet in outside dimensions. Two stairways for fire exits are completely shielded from everything which could burn. Each floor of the building is equipped with an incinerator drop-shoot for quick, clean disposal of garbage and all waste. Each also has a complete cooking unit with Westinghouse stoves and refrigerators. TWO ELEVATORS Another of the unique features in the Wingren is the smooth self-service elevators. Two Otis elevators will be in service at all times. In the building also is a complete automatic laundry for the use of occupants. Each apartment also will have a private storage locker. In some cases the locker will be within the apartment itself and where it is not in the apartment it will be located in the basement, Choice living units in the new building are now available, at rentals ranging from $133 a month for the one-bedroom to $178 for the highest rental two-bedroom apartment. Rental offices are open seven days a week and apartments may also be seen during the evening hours by appointment." |
Provenance |
Donated to the Museum by the Photographer |
Film Size |
5" x 4" |
People |
Saari, Paulu Toivo |
Search Terms |
Ketchikan Business Northern Bus Company Wingren Apartments Tongass Avenue |
Credit line |
Ketchikan Museums: Paulu T. Saari Collection, KM 2003.2.63.1302 |