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75th anniversary for two famous Washington bridges

75th anniversary for two famous Washington bridges

  Construction of the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which opened in July 1940. (Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) This is Washington’s tale of two bridges. Opening just one day apart in July 1940, 75 years ago, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Lake Washington Floating Bridge both galvanized human movement and economic prosperity in Washington state. They foreshadowed the developing prowess of Washington. However, this growth was not without its pains. Both bridges were engineering marvels. The Tacoma Narrows…

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1960s P.E. photo collection runs away in Archives poll

1960s P.E. photo collection runs away in Archives poll

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) Since the Kentucky Derby is only two weeks away, it’s only fitting that the top choice in April’s Archives Treasures online poll won going away after a battle on the backstretch. After rushing out of the gate to a strong early lead, the collection of 1960s P.E. photos saw its two competitors, the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge drawings and territorial census rolls, close the gap as the poll neared the finish line Friday afternoon….

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Archives photos capture opening of two key bridges

Archives photos capture opening of two key bridges

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) Back in 1940, the first week of July was a busy time for bridge dedications in our state. July 1 marks the anniversary when the first Narrows Bridge (photo above) between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula was dedicated in 1940. However, that bridge lasted only four months. On Nov. 7, 1940, “Galloping Gertie” collapsed in a windstorm. Fortunately, there was no loss of human life during the disaster, although a dog named Tubby perished. …

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