McCurdy, H. W. (Horace Winslow), 1899-1989

The collection was assembled by Horace Winslow ("H.W.") McCurdy (1899-1989). McCurdy was an engineer who began working for the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in about 1922. He became president and general manager of the company in 1931. Founded in 1889, the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company was destined to become one of Seattle's most important companies. Whether under the title Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company or Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, their hand can be seen in most major construction sites in the Pacific Northwest including Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. In addition, they are responsible for many ships, including some of the Washington State ferries and many naval vessels during and after World War II. Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company was purchased by Lockheed in 1959.

From the description of H.W. McCurdy collection on the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Co., 1900-1945. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 163587527

Horace Winslow (H.W.) "Mac" McCurdy was a shipbuilder, bridge builder, civic leader, native Washingtonian, and most enduringly a supporter of maritime research and maritime collecting in the Pacific Northwest. The structures built by his firm, Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging, include the Lake Washington Floating Bridge (1940) and the Hood Canal Bridge (1961). He completely underwrote the expense of producing, "The H.W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest" and its subsequent volume "The H.W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest, 1966-1976." He was a prime mover in the establishment and early development of Seattle's Museum of History and Industry. H.W. McCurdy was the grandson of one of the best-known Port Townsend, WA families. Gordon Newell was H.W. "Mac" McCudy's biographer. He passed away on 13 November 1989 in Seattle, WA. He was memorialized at Seattle's First Presbyterian Church and at the Scottish Rite Temple. He was laid to rest in Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Townsend, WA. A Seattle Times columnist remembered him as a prototypical pioneer. He started as a laborer and before he retired he had built many bridges, three ferries, and the 800-mile-long Distant Early Warning radar line in Alaska. He built air bases in WW II. He built more than 100 ships and his buildings and dams are still to be seen throughout the world. He was a maritime historian who became a legend on the Seattle waterfront.

From the description of H. W. "Mac" McCurdy, 1899-1989 : parting is such sweet sorrow. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 699494279

Founded in 1889, the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company was destined to become one of Seattle's most important companies. Whether under the title Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company or Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, their hand can be seen in most major construction sites in the Pacific Northwest including Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California. In addition, they are responsible for many ships, including some of the Washington State ferries and many naval vessels during and after World War II.

• 1909 - 1910 : Hydraulic Dredges construct Harbor Island, the largest man-made island for thirty-five years--second now only to Treasure Island in San Francisco. Harbor Island was the site of the company since the thirties.
• 1924: The Dexter Horton Building was constructed in Seattle. At fourteen stories, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the United States west of Chicago.
• 1927: A steel cantilever bridge was constructed over the Snake River at Twin Falls, Idaho.
• 1939: Construction began on the Lake Washington Floating Bridge.
• WWII: WWII provided a boom in contracts for the company with the Navy. In conjunction with their Canadian affiliate, the British Columbia Bridge and Dredging Company, they constructed Naval bases in Alaska at Sitka, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. In addition the BCB & D built a Point of Embarkation at Prince Rupert for the Army.Eighty-two ships were constructed for the Navy as well, with a record fifteen (five of three different types) ships being delivered in one day.
• 1959: Company purchased by Lockheed.

More recent projects include the Grand Coulee Dam, much of the Interstate 5 bridges and roadways through Seattle, and the San Fernando Tunnel in California. They have continued to build ships ranging from dredges, tugs and ferries to mine sweepers, ice breakers and guided missile frigates, mostly for the Navy, Coast Guard and the states of Washington and Alaska.

The collection was assembled by Horace Winslow ("H.W.") McCurdy (1899-1989). McCurdy was an engineer who began working for the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in about 1922. He became president and general manager of the company in 1931.

From the guide to the H.W. McCurdy Collection on the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Co., 1900-1945, (Museum of History & Industry Sophie Frye Bass Library)