Frederick Burt Farquharson was an engineer and professor of engineering. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1895. He studied at the University of Washington, earning his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1923. He then spent two years working for Boeing Airplane Company, after which he returned to the University of Washington to earn his Masters degree and begin teaching. Farquharson taught in the University of Washington's Department of Civil Engineering. He was granted the status of instructor in 1927, assistant professor in 1928, associate professor in 1937, and professor in 1940. From 1945 to 1963, Professor Farquharson directed the Engineering Experiment Station of the University of Washington. He retired from the University in 1963, and was made professor emeritus that same year.
Professor Farquharson's professional interests included various aspects of airplane design (especially early in his career), aerodynamics, and the use of wind tunnels for bridge design testing. He is most noted for the use of wind tunnels for his studies of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse and for the development of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge. He served on a number of committees concerned with engineering education and research for such professional engineering societies as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education. Professor Farquharson was also a member of the University of Washington Instructor's Association, which created and assessed a survey of salary and promotion facts, and of faculty opinions regarding the fairness of promotions. He was also called for expert testimony in 1957 in a trial concerning a failed spider staging cable used by a painter at the Weyerhauser Pulp Mill in Cosmopolis, Washington.
Farquharson was politically active during the economic depression of the 1930s. He had associations with such organizations as the League for Industrial Democracy and the National Council for the Prevention of War. His wife, Mary, was also active in anti-war and civil liberties movements, and served in the Washington State Senate.
Frederick Burt Farquharson passed away on June 17, 1970.
Construction began on the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge in November 1938. On July 1, 1940, the bridge opened to traffic. Lauded as an essential economic and military portal to the Olympic peninsula, its completion was called a triumph of man's ingenuity and perseverance. It had been completed in record time and, with a 2,800-foot central span, was the third largest span in the world. Immediately upon its opening it began swaying in the wind, which earned it the nickname “Galloping Gertie.” Only four months later, the bridge collapsed on November 7, 1940, in winds of 42 mph (67 km/h). This collapse was deemed “the Pearl Harbor of engineering."
Contemporary accounts appeared to be shocked by the collapse, although the bridge had begun exhibiting wavelike motions during the final stages of construction. Professor F.B. Farquharson, an engineering professor at the University of Washington, and other University engineers were hired to suggest methods to reduce the movement on the bridge. Over the next few months, experiments were conducted on a scale model, but a solution to the problem proved elusive.
On November 7, 1940, Professor Farquharson was there to witness and document the spectacular collapse of what had been the third longest suspension bridge in the world with the longest single span in the country. Farquharson claimed that the bridge “had a lateral twisting motion, in addition to the vertical wave,” which the bridge hadn’t exhibited before. The first span of the bridge to give way did so around 11:02 AM. This began with a 600-foot section towards the west side of the bridge; following this, another span dropped. By 11:10 AM the bridge had settled with a 30 foot deep sag to it.
Farquharson wasn’t the only man with a movie camera that day. He was accompanied on the east side of the bridge by two attendants from Tacoma’s The Camera Shop, Barney Elliot and Harbine Monroe, and by Walter Miles, a supervisor with the Pacific Bridge Company. On the west side of the bridge was Dr. Jesse Read whose footage has disappeared.
In the aftermath, many theories were discussed concerning the cause of the bridge's collapse. Ultimately, an investigative board for the Washington State Toll Bridge Authority announced the failure was due to the bridge's design reacting to the wind in the Narrows. The only fatality was a family dog, Tubby, who was too afraid to exit the car in which he was seated.
Although rebuilding the bridge was immediately suggested, investigations on the wreckage found the entire superstructure to be unusable. The onset of World War II further stalled attempts to rebuild. Salvage activity continued on the bridge through 1942 with the materials going to the U.S. war effort and the profits saved for the construction of a new bridge.
While the salvage work went on, Professor Farquharson was commissioned to test models of the old Narrows Bridge and the new proposed design for the bridge. At the University of Washington's new structural research lab, built specifically to house the models, tests proved that the new design was sound. Construction on the new bridge began in the summer of 1948 and was finished in October 1950. The previous three and a half years spent studying aerodynamics ensured a bridge whose fate would not mimic the first. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge has remained standing.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge film collection consists of footage of the construction, failure, collapse and aftermath of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, including newsreels, on-site and laboratory testing, and films of the second Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Films were created by Frederick B. Farquharson, head of the University of Washington Engineering Experiment Station, Phil Jacobaea from the University of Washington Campus Studios, as well as Barney Elliot and Harbine Monroe of the Tacoma Camera Shop. Films from the University of Washington Engineering Experiment Station, the University of Washington Audio Visual Services Materials Library, and the University of Washington Educational Media Center were brought together to form this collection.
A majority of the films in this collection contain neither title cards nor credits. Individual film titles have been derived from canister and box labels present at the time of donation, when available.
The original films are not accessible due to preservation concerns. However, viewing copies are available (VC44, VC73, VC73.1, VC652-VC668) in the Special Collections Division of the University of Washington Libraries.
Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.
Gift of Mary Farquharson.
Processed by Alexis French and Maisie Harrison, 2016-2017.
Ten films relocated to Frederick B. Farquharson Home Movies, circa 1931- 1947, PH1454.
Films showing the construction and opening of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940.
Construction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in May 1940, including the building of pillars, constructing cables, metal work, welding, and concrete laying.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color ; 16mm ; print.
Original ID number: 1098
Men work on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge construction. Smoke tests demonstrate airflow across the bridge.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color ; 16mm ; camera original.
Original ID number: 1099
Grand opening of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge with balloons and decorations. Cars drive and people walk across the bridge. A speech is given and people converse. The bridge has a slight undulating motion.
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent, black and white ; 16mm ; camera original.
Original ID number: 1100
The motion of the bridge initiated an investigation into the cause. Films document the bridge motion, development of scale models, and testing on site, at the University of Washington Engineering Experiment Station, and at other research institutions.
A grid over two sections, labeled 1 and 2, moves slightly as though blowing in the wind.
1 film reel (200 feet) : optical sound, black and white; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1111
A grid over a section, labeled 12, moves slightly as though blowing in the wind.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1112
A plate is set to vibrate at a selected frequency. A cylinder hanging on a spring above the plate is set in motion by the machine's operator. The free motion of the cylinder is affected by the controlled motion of the plate.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1113
Professor Farquharson and a colleague work over a model of the 1940 bridge, a sign reads "hands off test in progress." Farquharson adjusts a point on the main cable. The camera film the model from below and then from one end looking down the roadway.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1104
The model of the bridge oscillates. The motion is recorded on a cylindrical device.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1105
Professor Farquharson and another man consult a paper. The blueprints for a P.W.S. Docket No. Wash. 1870-F are flipped through, showing pages labeled: Suspended Structure Girder Details; erection contract with Bethlehem Steel Company; Main Span Lateral System. Farquharson poses for a photographer, fixing the model bridge. An arrow points to the site of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on a map. The blueprints for a P.W. S. Docket No. Wash. 1870-F are flipped through, showing pages labeled: Steel Cutting Edge Details; Steel Cylinder Details; General Elevations; Towers 4 and 5 Cable Saddle; Suspended Structure Side Span-D.L. Distribution.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1106
A model bridge oscillates while its motion is recorded on a cylindrical device.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
The model is of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge as identified by the shape of the tower in item 35.
Original ID number: 1107
Views of abnormal undulating motion of the deck of Tacoma Narrows Bridge with cars crossing.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original.
Note on can: #1 Black + White Early motion on bridge. Good picture of disappearing car about middle of reel.
Original ID number: 1101
Severe resonance resulting in abnormal undulating motion of the deck Tacoma Narrows Bridge. One car crosses.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original.
Original ID number: 1102
The bridge demonstrates vertical undulating motion as people drive and walk across. Frederick Charnley Smith surveys the motion through a theodolite/transit instrument from a distance.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; print with original splices.
Frederick Charnley Smith, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, worked with Frederick Farquharson at the University of Washington Engineering Experiment Station and collaborated with Farquharson to determine a cause for the unusual motion on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Original ID number: 1103
A 1/20 scale model of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge demonstrates aerodynamic instability in a wind tunnel test at the University of Washington labs. The actual Tacoma Narrows Bridge undulates vertically as cars crossed with the motions slowed down in camera.
1 film reel (250 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; print with original splices
Original ID number: 1108
A man in a white shirt observes a full scale model of the bridge oscillating. The actual Tacoma Narrows Bridge oscillates.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original and print
Footage of the model is camera original.
Original ID number: 1109
A model of the 1940 bridge oscillates. Oscillations from the model are recorded. A modeled section of the bridge is tested. The section of the bridge is tested with the addition of circular fairing. A man modifies the experimental setup. In the field, a man attaches a smoke flare to the end of a beam extending from the bridge. Smoke is released to demonstrate the air flow patterns around the girder. A US Army air ship flies over the bridge.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1110
Testing of girder shapes: flow pattern in water with aluminum dust on surface. Double exposure of film with both fluid dynamics testing. A hand cleans the camera lens as a man sets up theodolite/transit instrument to survey the bridge oscillations. A man wearing a blue suit and hat examines the roadway of the bridge pre-failure.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Camera original. Same stock as Reel 14.
Original ID number: 1114
Two girders with a connecting structure undergo testing in water.
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent; black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1115
A girder is subjected to fluid dynamic testing in water. A solid front is added to the girder which disrupts the wake.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent; black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Camera original.
Original ID number: 1116
In Stanford/Cal Tech labs a bridge section oscillates in a wind tunnel. Views of a model bridge. A model of suspended structure is tested in water: two girders joined by a connecting structure. These tests are repeated at rotated orientation.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Testing of suspended structure in water appears to feature the same equipment as used in Reel 19.
Included in the donated film canister are the names: Fred Smith, Japben (Stanford), and Dunn (Cal Tech). Louis Dunn (1908-1979) was a Professor of Aeronautics 1945-1954 and the Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 1947-1954. "Japben" could potentially allude to Jack R. Benjamin (1917-1998) who was a colleague of Farquharson, assisted with the study of the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and worked at Stanford from 1948-1973. From the notes on the canister it can be concluded that these models observed in this film are from Dunn and Benjamin from Cal Tech and Stanford.
Original ID number: 1117
A section of the bridge oscillates, with the camera focusing on the end/cross-section of the two girders with a connecting structure. A ruler indicates the magnitude of oscillation. The model of two connected girders oscillates.
1 film reel (150 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1118
The bridge undulates rapidly before its collapse. Motion slowed to quarter speed for study. A man surveys the rhythm of the oscillating bridge by observing through a theodolite/transit instrument from a distance. A 1/100 scale model of the bridge is tested at the Structural Laboratory at the University of Washington. Circular fairing is added to the model girders to reduce wind load and suppress the vortex around the body of the bridge. Air flow around the girder is studied with the aid of smoke at the site of the bridge. The bridge moves most violently on November 7th, during a wind speed of 42mph.
1 film reel (350 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Photography by B. D. Elliott, T. Harbine Monroe, August Von Boecklin, F. B. Farquharson. Technical description by Professor F. B. Farquharson, Civil Engineering Department, University of Washington. Produced by the Tacoma Camera Shop, Tacoma, Washington.
The content is the same as item 23, except this copy includes two additional scenes of smoke tests conducted on the model.
Note on can: My copy #1 B+W Short on end
Original ID number: 1119
The bridge has abnormal undulating motion before its collapse. Motion slowed to quarter speed for study. A man surveys the rhythm of the oscillating bridge by observing through a theodolite/transit instrument from a distance. A 1/100 scale model of the bridge is tested at the Structural Laboratory at the University of Washington. Circular fairing is added to the model girders to reduce wind load and suppress the vortex around the body of the bridge. Air flow around the girder is studied with the aid of smoke at the site of the bridge. The bridge oscillates as cars drive across it. Title about events on November 7th with wind of 42mph.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
The content is the same as item 22, except it is missing smoke tests included at the beginning and end of item 22.
Note on can: 1 end title removed for replacement on ASCE film (American Society of Civil Engineers).
Original ID number: 1120
The bridge has abnormal motion before its collapse. Motion slowed to quarter speed for study. A man surveys the rhythm of the oscillating bridge by observing through a theodolite/transit instrument from a distance. A 1/100 scale model of the bridge is tested at the Structural Laboratory at the University of Washington. Circular fairing is added to the model girders to reduce wind load and suppress the vortex around the body of the bridge. Air flow around the girder is studied with the aid of smoke at the site of the bridge. The bridge moves most violently on 7th November with wind of 42mph.
1 film reel (350 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Photography by B. D. Elliott, T. Harbine Monroe, August Von Boecklin, F. B. Farquharson. Technical description by Professor F. B. Farquharson, Civil Engineering Department, University of Washington. Produced by the Tacoma Camera Shop, Tacoma, Washington.
There is no Reel Two.
Original ID number: 1121
Cars drive across the bridge white it oscillates. The motion of the bridge is slowed down to quarter speed for study. In the Structural Laboratory at the University of Washington a 1/100 scale full model of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge replicates the oscillations observed in the field. A 1/20 scale model of suspended structure is tested in a wind tunnel. A man paints a large section of steel. The 1/20 scale model oscillates with a high frequency.
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; print with original splices
Note on can: Color. Early motion on bridge with int. title. Fred Smith. Electric model. State wind tunnel model. Japben's model (Stanford), Dunn's Model (Cal Tech)
Original ID number: 1122
Films documenting the failure of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Professor Farquharson stands in front of the collapsed bridge. The deck hangs down from the bridge into the water. He speaks to the camera. The bridge resonates violently pre-collapse. Farquharson looks through a Cine Kodak Special camera. Farquharson returns to land from the undulating bridge. Farquharson concludes the news report.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Metro Goldwyn Mayer newsreel.
Original ID number: 1123
Short film titled: Nov. 7, 1940 Narrows Bridge Collapse! A man sets up a camera to film the bridge which is oscillating at high amplitude with a node in the center of the main span. The east hold-down shows unwanted movement. Professor Farquharson runs from the lone car on the bridge to land as the bridge collapses behind him. The deck hangs down from the main span in the mid-section of the bridge. A closed toll booth sign blocks access to the collapsed bridge.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; print with original splices
Original ID number: 1124
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge oscillates violently with a lone car on its main span. Professor Farquharson sets up a camera. The bridge oscillates as cars drive over it pre-failure.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print with original splices
Original ID number: 1125
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is filmed on the day of its collapse as it oscillates in the wind. A man sets up his camera.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1126
The deck of the midsection of the bridge undulates and twists violently.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1127
A man sets up a camera to film the bridge which is oscillating at high amplitude with a node in the center of the main span. The east hold-down shows unwanted movement. Professor Farquharson runs from the lone car on the bridge to land as the bridge collapses behind him. The deck hangs down from the main span in the mid-section of the bridge. A closed toll booth sign blocks access to the collapsed bridge. After the collapse, the Public Works Administration (PWA) investigates the bridge remnants, looking at cracked sidewalks and bent metal.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1128
An abandoned car on the bridge is rocked up and down as the deck of the bridge oscillates. The roadway moves up and down rapidly. The mid-span of the bridge has collapsed and hangs into the water.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
The car belonged to Leonard Coatsworth. His daughter's cocker spaniel, Tubby, was trapped in the car and became the only victim of the bridge collapse. (Hobbs, 2006)
Original ID number: 1129
The bridge oscillates and twists violently. The deck of the mid-section of the bridge hangs down into the water.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1130
November 7, 1940. Views of the road leading down to the bridge. The bridge spans the narrows. Cars drive over the bridge as the surface moves up and down. Boats bob around in their docks with the bridge in the background. The bridge's mid-span is undulating and twisting rapidly. The mid-span twists more violently. The deck of the mid-span breaks away from the bridge and falls into the water. The damage to the bridge is inspected: steel girders are bent, the roadway is ruptured. The mid-span of the bridge is absent.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
This footage is different than the most common footage of the bridge failure.
Original ID number: 1131
Films of the aftermath of the bridge collapse. Some investigations were conducted by the Public Works Administration.
The Public Works Administration committee investigates the bent and warped metal after the collapse. Blueprints and a map are examined. A 1/100 scale model bridge oscillates. Newspapers are shown, with headlines reporting on the bridge collapse. A hand opens a filing cabinet.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1132
Professor Farquharson observes the damaged bridge. Farquharson and the Public Works Administration committee investigate parts of the collapsed Tacoma Narrows bridge.
1 film reel (25 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; print with original splices
Original ID number: 1133
Professor Farquharson observes the entire damaged bridge.
Farquharson and the Public Works Administration committee investigate parts of
the collapsed Tacoma Narrows bridge. Sizes from blueprints of the bridge are
converted with a scale slide rule for model construction. A scale model of the
bridge is constructed and weights are added to anchor the ends. The model
oscillates. A paper by Professor Farquharson,
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1134
After the first bridge collapsed, and before the second was built, a series of experiments were conducted to explain the failure of the first bridge and ensure the structural integrity of the second bridge.
The open deck bridge model oscillates at different nodes and speeds. Two girders with a connecting structure suspended in water undergo aerodynamic testing. Open deck testing with stannic chloride smoke.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Note on can: Original from which Reel III was copied. Lab Studies. #2
Original ID number: 1135
The open deck model oscillates. The open deck model is tested under different wind conditions with the addition of circular fairings to the girders. Men perform aerodynamic testing of two girders, using a connecting structure which has a circular center at different orientations, until the structure fails and bends back on itself. May 1942: smoke is released from the main cables of the bridge to observe airflow patterns, the floor section has been removed following the collapse.
1 film reel (250 feet) : silent, color/black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1136
The full span of an open deck model of a bridge oscillates. Either the oscillation increases or the frame rate of the recording decreases over time.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1137
Stannic chloride smoke reveals airflow over a section of the model with an open wind grating deck. First test: 1 Node Tors 525 RPM LC Full Open Deck. Second test: 1 Node Tors 700 RPM LC Open Side Walk.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
These tests were conducted at the Structural Research Laboratory at the University of Washington by Professor B. Farquharson to confirm the stability of Dexter R. Smith's design for the replacement Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened in 1950 (Hobbs, 2006, p.95).
Original ID number: 1138
Stannic chloride smoke reveals air flow over, and then under, a section of the bridge model. Inter-titles describe the change in frequency, nodes and frame rate.
1 film reel (150 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
These tests were conducted at the Structural Research Laboratory at the University of Washington by Professor B. Farquharson to confirm the stability of Dexter R. Smith's design for the replacement Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened in 1950 (Hobbs, 2006, p.95).
Original ID number: 1139
Stannic chloride smoke reveals air flow over, and then under, a section of the open deck bridge model. Cards describing the number of nodes and the date are held in frame.
1 film reel (150 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
These tests were conducted at the Structural Research Laboratory at the University of Washington by Professor B. Farquharson to confirm the stability of Dexter R. Smith's design for the replacement Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened in 1950 (Hobbs, 2006, p.95).
Original ID number: 1140
Deck absent, smoke is released from a suspender cable near the east tower. A man positions a smoke flare on the main cable and then walks along the main cable back to land. Smoke disperses from the bridge. Two men converse. Men gather around cars parked on the east side. Smoke is released from the main cable on the west side. Smoke is released from the main cable of the center span. Smoke flows from a suspender cable on the east side.
1 film reel (400 feet) : silent, color; black and white; 16mm ; camera original
The floor systems of the bridge were removed December 1940. Dismantling officially began September 1941. (Hobbs, 2006, p.94).
Original ID number: 1141
Wind-induced spread of smoke to demonstrate airflow, filmed from a boat below the bridge. Four streams of smoke are released from and next to the bridge tower.
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Camera original, however not taken with Farquharson's camera.
The floor systems of the bridge were removed December 1940. Dismantling officially began September 1941 (Hobbs, 2006, p.94).
Original ID number: 1142
May 1st 1942, Wind Approx. 25mph. Smoke is released from the eastern tower to demonstrate airflow.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1143
Smoke is released from the base of the eastern tower. The source of the smoke rises up the tower until at the level of the former deck.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1144
Fluid dynamic testing of different girder shapes and orientations in a fluid.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1145
Fluid dynamics test 5: equilateral triangle with beam extended from base. Ruler present.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1146
Fluid dynamics test 6: equilateral triangle with beam extended from base.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1147
Fluid dynamics test 7: circle.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1148
Fluid dynamics test 8: circle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1149
Fluid dynamics test 9: large circle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1150
Fluid dynamics test 10: large circle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1151
Fluid dynamics test 12: part of a large equilateral triangle.
1 film reel (100 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1152
Fluid dynamics test 13: semi-circle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1153
Fluid dynamics test 19: equilateral triangle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1154
Fluid dynamics test 20: equilateral triangle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (20 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1155
Fluid dynamics test 21: equilateral triangle. Ruler present.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1156
This series includes several versions of a film compiled by Frederick Farquharson, consisting of existing footage, which gives an overview of the construction, failure, and collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Work on Piers began November 26, 1930. 510 ton anchors hold caissons in place. Men prepare and drop anchors into the Narrows. Completion of the construction of the bridge: workmen install cables. The bridge is opened with a speech and a guided precession. The bridges moves with abnormal motion for a suspension bridge. On November 7th, the bridge's motion is exceptionally violent until the main span crashes. A 1/50 scale model of the bridge is tested in a lab at the University of Washington for nodes of motion at various wind speeds. Fluid dynamics tests are conducted over parts of the model.
1 film reel (700 feet) : silent, color ; 16mm ; print
This is the only reel with the title: Work on Piers began...
Original ID number: 1157
Men prepare and drop anchors into the Narrows. Completion of the construction of the bridge: workmen install cables. The bridge is opened with a speech and a guided precession. The bridges moves with abnormal motion for a suspension bridge. On November 7th, the bridge's motion is exceptionally violent until the main span crashes. A 50 scale model of the bridge is tested in a lab at the University of Washington for nodes of motion at various wind speeds. Fluid dynamics tests are conducted over parts of the model.
1 film reel (700 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; print
The beginning of this reel differs from the other reels in this series. There is no title or introduction.
Original ID number: 1158
Completion of the construction of the bridge: workmen install cables. The bridge is opened with a speech and a guided precession. The bridges moves with abnormal motion for a suspension bridge. On November 7th, the bridge's motion is exceptionally violent until the main span crashes. A 1/50 scale model of the bridge is tested in a lab at the University of Washington for nodes of motion at various wind speeds. Fluid dynamics tests are conducted over parts of the model. Air flow studied with aid of smoke at the site of the former bridge.
1 film reel (700 feet) : silent, black and white ; 16mm ; negative
The beginning of the film is missing compared to master reel.
Original ID number: 1159
Work on piers began November 26, 1930. 510 ton anchors hold caissons in place. Men prepare and drop anchors into the Narrows. Completion of the construction of the bridge: workmen install cables. The bridge is opened with a speech and a guided precession. The bridges moves with abnormal motion for a suspension bridge. On November 7th, the bridge's motion is exceptionally violent until the main span crashes. A 1/50 scale model of the bridge is tested in a lab at the University of Washington for nodes of motion at various wind speeds. Fluid dynamics tests are conducted over parts of the model.
1 film reel (700 feet) : silent, color; 16mm ; print
Print from negative item 62.
Original ID number: 1160
Content from
1 film reel (21 minutes) : silent, color; Type C 1" open reel videotape
Original ID number: 1161
Content from
Scenes of the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Published by the Tacoma Camera Shop.
A montage of clips from before, during, and after the collapse, with no clear order assigned. The 1/100 scale model in the University of Washington Structural Laboratory oscillates. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge oscillates pre-failure. The bridge oscillates aggressively on its day of failure. People survey the damage. Professor Farquharson observes the entire bridge with a collapsed mid-section. People and cars cross the mildly oscillating bridge before it fails. The camera surveys the remains of the collapsed bridge. A man walks off of the wildly oscillating bridge on the day of collapse. The roadway breaks.
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; negative
Original ID number: 1162
Titles: "Total Collapse; On the morning of November 7 the frequency was 36 cycle per minute with the wind blowing at 42 mph; On the morning of November 7 the frequency was 36 cycle per minute with the wind blowing at 42 mph; The PWA Investigates; Prof. Farquharson risks life to save dog in car; Gail causes bridge to sway; The only damage sustained by the concrete prior to the final failure was in the curb and sidewalk."
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm; print
Original ID number: 1163
Contains two titles: "End Part 1" and "End Part 2."
1 film reel (10 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1164
Repetitive "wub wub" sound
1 film reel (10 feet) : sound; 16mm ; magnetic audio
Original ID number: 1165
Continuous"wub wub" sound.
1 film reel (100 feet) : sound; 16mm ; magnetic audio
Original ID number: 1166
A model made from warren truss oscillates. Two men walk along and point at the model, with one of them taking photos. A man holds his finger by a device being used on the bridge. Farquharson explains the model to a group of four men.
1 film reel (50 feet) : silent, black and white; 16mm ; camera original
Warren truss was used on the 1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Original ID number: 1167
Wires are measured. Workers rub their hands to warm up and open their mail. Wires are moved across the bridge by a spinning wheel on a pilot line. A worker climbs along a catwalk to adjust the wire. Snow covers the landscape surrounding the cable anchorage.
1 film reel (200 feet) : silent, color ; 16mm ; camera original
Camera original, but not from Farquharson's camera. This was the second bridge's construction, determined by the crosses located in the suspension towers, whereas the first one was solid.
Original ID number: 1168
A group of people walk across the partially constructed 1950 bridge. The group pose in front of one of the main cables. Workers tie metal cables to secure the "cable band" around the wires that make up the main cable. The camera examines the warren truss of the bridge from below. Cars drive across the bridge with Mt. Rainier in the background. The bridge is filmed from the perspective of those driving over it. A worker attached to one of the main cables waves to the camera. Cars pass through the toll station. Two men converse. A procession of cars crosses the bridge to celebrate its opening.
1 film reel (300 feet) : silent, color ; 16mm ; camera original
Original ID number: 1169
The 1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge is opened with a speech and crowds celebrating. A team of people involved in the project pose in front of a main cable during construction. A painted model demonstrates how wires are carried across the span. Reels of wires are processed on site during construction. Wires are moved across the bridge by a spinning wheel on a pilot line. Workers tie the wires together to make the cable. Workers on a catwalk tie metal cables to secure the "cable band" around the wires that make up the main cable. The cables are painted orange. The bridge is operational with Mt Rainier in the background.
1 film reel (800 feet) : sound, color ; 16mm ; print
Original ID number: 1170