McCurdy, James G., 1923-

James G. McCurdy II was born in Seattle in 1923. He was a star football player at the University of Washington and went on to become chairman of the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company. His father, Horace Winslow ("H.W.") McCurdy (1899-1989), had earlier served as president and general manager of the company. 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 James G. McCurdy II photographs and other material, 1889-1943. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 163599339

James G. McCurdy II was born in Seattle in 1923. He was a star football player at the University of Washington and went on to become chairman of the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company. His father, Horace Winslow ("H.W.") McCurdy (1899-1989), had earlier served as president and general manager of the company. Both McCurdys had a lifelong interest in maritime history.

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.

From the guide to the James G. McCurdy II Photographs and Other Material, 1889-1943, (Museum of History & Industry Sophie Frye Bass Library)