Olson & Winge Marine Works was formed in 1941 by Oscar E. Olson (b. 1882) and Carl B. Winge (1891-1956). The two met in 1910 while working for King and Winge Shipbuilding Company, started in 1899 by Carl's uncle, Albert M. Winge (1868-1916), and his partner Thomas J. King (1843–1925). From around 1941 to 1944, the Olson & Winge yard devoted its production facilities completely to the war effort, primarily converting, adapting and repairing ships for military use, but also producing new vessels, such as several wooden lighters. The yard was located at the foot of 8th Avenue Northwest, on the Lake Washington Ship Canal at 4125 Burns Avenue Northwest. After the war, Olson & Winge returned to commercial boat building, and Carl Winge retired in 1948.
This group posing in front of the dry docked Navy lighter YC-842 is assembled for the ship's launch at the Olson & Winge Marine Works yard. Most of the group is unidentified, however, sixth from the left, yard worker Ragner Salldin is dressed as "Miss Veronica Bilgewater," and holds a bottle for the christening. Another yard worker, seemingly unaware of the occasion, passes below the scaffolding.
Photographer's number: 15794
Caption information source: https://navalmarinearchive.com/sbh/shipyards/emergencysmall/olson.html
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv50635.
Credit: MOHAI, Olson & Winge Marine Works Photographs, 1972.5503.92
