Tacoma Washington Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corp Real Photo Postcard
Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corp. was a prominent American shipbuilding and repair company that significantly expanded its operations during World War I to meet the demand for naval and merchant vessels. This parade float, featuring miniature ships adorned with "dazzle camouflage," reflects the era's urgency in wartime production. Dazzle camouflage, a complex pattern of geometric shapes and contrasting colors, was extensively used on Allied ships to confuse enemy submarines about a vessel's course and speed rather than to conceal it. The inclusion of "Boiler Makers Ship Fitters & Helpers Local 568" underscores the vital role of skilled labor in these industrial efforts.
The float also served as a public appeal, promoting a raffle for "this boat" to benefit the Red Cross. During World War I, the American Red Cross mounted an enormous humanitarian campaign, providing medical aid, supplies, and support services to servicemen and civilians. Fundraising events like this parade and raffle, often hosted in community spaces such as "Liberty Hall" (a common name for civic buildings used for patriotic events during this period), were crucial for generating public enthusiasm and financial contributions to the war effort.
The float also served as a public appeal, promoting a raffle for "this boat" to benefit the Red Cross. During World War I, the American Red Cross mounted an enormous humanitarian campaign, providing medical aid, supplies, and support services to servicemen and civilians. Fundraising events like this parade and raffle, often hosted in community spaces such as "Liberty Hall" (a common name for civic buildings used for patriotic events during this period), were crucial for generating public enthusiasm and financial contributions to the war effort.
