Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library
5933 6th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: 206-324-1126
URL: http://www.mohai.org
2009.56
Collection on David Rodgers
circa
1894-1942
1917-1918
.42 cubic feet
1 box
Photographs, both loose and in albums, as well as newspaper articles and
correspondence relating to David Rodgers and his career as manager of Skinner and Eddy Corporation shipyard in Seattle,
Washington
3a.4.6 Collection materials are in
English.
Biographical Note:
David Rodgers (circa 1865-June 25, 1923) was the manager of the Skinner and Eddy Corporation shipyard in
Seattle in the 1910s.
Rodgers was born in 1868 in Belfast, Ireland, where he became a shipyard apprentice at age 10. In 1886,
Rodgers immigrated to the United States. He worked in the shipbuilding industry across the country, starting in Duluth,
Minnesota with the American Steel Barge Company and moving to Chicago at the Chicago Ship Building Company. He began
working in the shipyards of San Francisco in 1898 with Union Ironworks.
In approximately 1903, Rodgers moved to Seattle. He worked as a master shipfitter (outside) with the Navy Yard
in Bremerton until 1906, then with the Moran Company until 1908, when he returned to the Navy Yard, where he worked
until 1912. He managed the Wallace shipyards in Vancouver, B.C. until approximately 1916, when he joined Skinner and
Eddy Corporation as general manager.
On February 14, 1916, he broke ground on the Skinner and Eddy shipyard at the end of Atlantic Street on
Elliott Bay. While running the shipyard, his crew broke records with how quickly ships were built, including a record
time of 55 days. In 1918, Rodgers was invited to the White House to be thanked personally by Woodrow Wilson for his
contribution to the war effort.
Rodgers retired from the shipyards in 1919 due to health issues, and died in 1923 at 58 years old. At his
retirement, the Evergreen Park on Queen Anne Hill Seattle was renamed the David Rodgers Park, when workers at Skinner
& Eddy raised $2000 for park improvements on condition the be named for their well-loved boss. In addition,
Rodgers’ iconic derby hat was commandeered from his Queen Anne home and nailed, with ceremony, to the top of the mast
of the Skinner & Eddy plant’s sheer leg, where it remained for many years.
David Rodgers was married to Canadian-born Carrie B. Rodgers (circa 1867- May 13, 1947). Carrie Rodgers
sponsored at least two ships constructed at the Skinner and Eddy shipyard while her husband was general manager there.
The collection consists of loose photographs, photograph albums, newspaper clippings, magazines, and
correspondence (approximately 96 photographs, some bound in four photograph albums, 47 clippings, one magazine, and 17
pieces of correspondence). Materials mostly deal with David Rodgers' professional life, but also include a small number
of photographs of his wife Carrie Rodgers, cars, and his personal yachts. There are also three portraits of an unknown
young man. Three of the photograph albums are dedicated to ships built by Skinner and Eddy, and the fourth consists
mostly of portraits of David Rodgers at work in the shipyard.
Arranged in 3 series:
- Photographs
- Correspondence
- Ephemera
View selections from the collection in digital format by clicking on the camera icons in the inventory.
The collection is open to the public by appointment.
The Museum of History & Industry is the owner of the materials in the Sophie Frye Bass Library and
makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from MOHAI
before any reproduction use. The museum does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections.
In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.
Collection on David Rodgers, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
Anonymous donation, July 27, 2009
Additional photograph album “S.S. David Rodgers” (2009.56.135-156) was donated anonymously on October 26, 2010
and added to the collection.
Processed by Jessica Werner, 2009.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials
about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.
Rodgers, David, d. 1923--Archives
Rodgers, Carrie, d. 1947
Skinner and Eddy Corporation
Seattle (Wash.)
Boat and ship industry--Washington (State)--Seattle
Ships--Washington (State)--Seattle
Photographs
Seattle
Ships and Shipping
Photographs
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
Photographs
1914-1920
Loose photographs
1914-1920
1
1
David Rodgers, possibly in Skinner and Eddy Shipyard
circa 1918
Webster & Stevens
2
2-4
David Rodgers in crowd, possibly in Skinner and Eddy
Shipyard
circa 1918
3
5
Carrie Rodgers in chair, with book and Boston terrier
circa 1918
Alsop
4
6
Carrie Rodgers with car
circa 1918
Writing on verso: 1918, electric car, presented Mrs. Rodgers, Mrs. Lee Skinner off Skinner
[illeg--Shipyard?] Building
4
7
Carrie Rodgers in car
circa 1918
4
8
Six people in front of car, Carrie Rogers third from right, Mount
Rainier National Park
circa 1918
Frank Jacobs
Stamped on verso: Photo by Frank A. Jacobs, official photographer Rainier National Park Co., Longmire
Springs, WA
5
9
Rodgers farm in Zenith, Washington
circa 1920
Written on verso: David Rodgers Home, Zenith
6
10
Rodgers' yacht Carrie at Chittenden Locks,
Ballard
circa 1918
6
11
Rodgers' yacht Carrie on Lake
Union
1914
Written verso: Yacht Carrie owned by Mrs. David Rodgers Seattle 1914
6
12
Rodgers' yacht Carrie
circa 1918
6
13
Unknown cabin cruiser
circa 1918
7
14
Launching of the S.S. David Rodgers, built
by Skinner & Eddy Corp.
1918 February 9
Webster & Stevens
7
15
S. S. Elkridge, built by Skinner and Eddy
Corp., after launch
1919 July 21
8
16-18
Unidentified boy
undated
Photograph albums
1917-1919
4 albums
Two of the albums appear to have been gifts from Skinner and Eddy to Carrie Rodgers, who sponsored the
ships depicted.
9a
S.S. David Rodgers album for Carrie
Rodgers
circa 1918
21 photographs in 1 album
All photographs in the album are by
Webster & Stevens
Album largely depicting the construction and launching of the S.S. David
Rodgers. Several views of an unidentified ship's interior area are included in this and the next album. Also
includes photographs of Carrie Rodgers, a sponsor for the S.S. David Rodgers.
Album cover stamped "Mrs. David Rodgers. Sponsor for S.S. David Rodgers. Launched Feb. 9-1918."
Stamped in corner "Compliments Skinner and Eddy Corporation"
19
Two women with bouquets, possibly sponsors of the S. S.
Elkridge
1919
Caption on photo: Sponsor Hull 56, 7-21-19, Skinner and Eddy Corp.
20
Crowd, including Carrie Rodgers, at launching of the S. S. Edmore
1919
Caption on photo: Mrs. David Rodgers sponsor, S. S. Edmore Hull no. 53, built by Skinner & Eddy
Corporation in 74 ½ working days. Keel laid December 28 1918, launched May 24, 1919, Seattle U.S.A.
21
David and Carrie Rodgers at launch of S. S.
Edmore
24 May 1919
22
S. S. David Rodgers
circa 1918
23
View of unidentified ship's top deck and engine
circa 1918
24
View of unidentified ship’s dining room
circa 1918
25
Captain’s quarters on unidentified ship
circa 1918
26
Unidentified ship's galley
circa 1918
27
Unidentified ship's engine room
circa 1918
28
Launching of S.S. David Rodgers, view
from water
1918 February 9
29
S. S. David Rodgers and
tugboat
1918
30
Carrie Rodgers with bouquet of flowers, probably at S.S.
David Rodgers launching
1918
31
Launching of S.S. David Rodgers, view
from shipyard
1918 February 9
32
S.S. David Rodgers in scaffolding,
probably shortly before launching ceremony
1918
33
Hull of S.S. David Rodgers in
scaffolding at shipyard
1918 January 7
Caption on photo: Hull No. 16, Jan. 7 1918, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A
34
Men on scaffolding working on the S.S David
Rodgers
1917 December 24
Caption on photo: Hull no. 16, Dec. 24 1917, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U.S.A.
35
Hull of S.S. David Rodgers in
scaffolding at shipyard
1917 December 15
Caption on photo: Hull no. 16, Dec. 15 1917, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U.S.A.
36
Base of hull of S.S. David Rodgers in
scaffolding at shipyard
1917 December 8
Caption on photo: Hull no. 16, Dec. 8 1917, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U.S.A.
37
Base of hull of S.S. David Rodgers in
scaffolding at shipyard
1917 December 1
Caption on photo: Hull no. 16, Dec. 1 1917, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U.S.A.
38
Base of hull of S.S. David Rodgers in
scaffolding at shipyard, with workers
1917 November 17
Caption on photo: Hull no. 16, November-17- 1917, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U.S.A.
39
Keel of S.S. David Rodgers laid in
scaffolding at shipyard
1917
Caption on photo: Hull no. 16, November-3- 1917, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U.S.A.
9b
135 - 156
S.S. David Rodgers album
1917-1918
22 photos in 1 album
All photographs in the album are by
Webster & Stevens
Album largely depicting the launching and construction of the S.S. David
Rodgers. Includes portraits of Carrie and David Rodgers. Also includes photographs of the S.S.
West Cressy and the S.S. Westlake.
Some photographs are duplicates of photographs in the S.S. David Rodgers
album for Carrie Rodgers (2009.56.19-39)
Album received anonymously in 2010 and added to collection.
10
S.S. West Elcasco album
1918
16 photographs in 1 album
Album largely depicting the launching and construction of the S.S. West
Elcasco. Several views of an unidentified ship's interior area are included in this and the previous album. Also
includes photographs of Carrie Rodgers at the launching for the West Elcasco.
Album cover stamped "Mrs. David Rodgers. Sponsor for S.S. West Elcasco. Launched Sept. 21-1918."
Stamped in corner "Compliments Skinner and Eddy Corporation."
First five photographs in album are duplicates of numbers 23-27 iin S.S. David
Rodgers album for Carrie Rodgers.
40-44
Deck and interior rooms, probably of SS West Elasco
circa 1918
Webster & Stevens
Duplicates of numbers 23-27.
45
S. S. West Elcasco in water on launching
day
1918 September 21
46
S.S. West Elcasco preparing to
launch
1918 September 21
47
Carrie Rodgers and unknown young woman (possibly Gladys Miller) with
bouquets at launch of S. S. West Elcasco
1918 September 21
48
Carrie Rodgers at launch of S. S. West
Elcasco
1918 September 21
49
Bow of S.S. West Elcasco and dedication
platform on launching day before festivities
1918 September 21
50
Bow of S.S. West Elcasco in
scaffolding
1918 September 20
Caption on photo: Hull 38, 9-20-18, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A.
51
Bow of S.S. West Elcasco in
scaffolding
1918 September 13
Caption on photo: Hull 38, 9-13-18, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A.
52
Bow of S.S. West Elcasco in
scaffolding
1918 September 6
Caption on photo: Hull 38, 9-6-18, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A.
53
Hull of S.S. West Elcasco in
scaffolding
1918 August 9
Caption on photo: Hull 38, Aug. 9, ’18, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A.
54
Hull of S.S. West Elcasco in
scaffolding
1918 July 26
Caption on photo: Hull 38, 7-26-18, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A.
55
Keel of S.S. West Elcasco being laid in
scaffolding by workers
1918 July 12
Caption on photo: Hull 38, 7-12-18, Skinner and Eddy Corp., Seattle, U. S. A.
11
David Rodgers and Skinner and Eddy album
circa 1918, undated
20 photographs in 1 album
All photographs in the album are by
Webster & Stevens
Portraits of Rodgers and photographs of Rodgers in the shipyard, as well as photographs of ships built
by Skinner and Eddy Corporation.
56-67
David Rodgers, portraits, at work in offices, and around
shipyard.
circa 1918
12 photographs
68
Model ship
circa 1918
69
S.S. Edgefield in water
1918 December
Caption on photo: S. S. Edgefield, built by Skinner & Eddy Corporation, launched Dec. 7, 1918,
trial trip Dec. 31, 1918, Seattle U. S. A.
70
Unidentified ship in water
circa 1918
71
Young woman at launching ceremony with small boy and David
Rodgers
1918 September 21
Caption on photo: Miss Gladys Miller, Sponsor, M.S. Little David, built by Skinner & Eddy
Corporation, launched Sept, 21, 1918, Seattle U. S. A.
72
S.S. Niels Nielson in water
circa 1918
Caption on photo: S.S. Niels Nelson, built by Skinner & Eddy Corporation, Seattle U. S. A..
73-74
Portraits of David Rodgers at shipyard
circa 1918
75
David Rodgers reading a newspaper
circa 1918
Loose photograph in album
Correspondence
1894-1942
76
12
Letter to Carrie Rodgers from laundry service deliveryman
1942 April 1
Letter regarding Rodgers' $50 reward to this driver in thanks for returning money apparently found with
her laundry.
77
13
Letter to Carrie Rodgers from Central Labor Counsel expressing sympathy
for David Rodgers' death
1923 June 28
78
14
Holiday card from the Rodgers family, Christmas 1913
1913
Work-related correspondence to David Rodgers and letters of
recommendation
1894-1916
15
79
Letter of recommendation from American Steel Barge Company of New York
and Duluth, Minnesota
1894 August 18
15
80
Letter of recommendation from Chicago Ship Building Company
1897 March 9
15
81
Letter accepting David Rodgers' resignation from the Naval Shipyard in
Bremerton, Washington
1906 October 9
15
82
Letter from David Rodgers resigning from the Moran Co. Steel
Construction Dept, as of September 11, 1907
1907 June 11
15
83
Letter of recommendation from the Moran Co. to the Puget Sound Navy
Yard Board of Examination praising David Rodgers
1908 May 21
15
84
Letter from Puget Sound Navy Yard accepting David Rodgers' application
to the position of master shipbuilder
1908 May 28
15
85
Letter from Puget Sound Navy Yard returning David Rodger’s application
packet to him and informing him of his examination score
1908 August 12
15
86
Letter of recommendation
1912 May 27
15
87
Letter of recommendation
1912 June 14
15
88
Letter stating the return of letters of recommendation from the Navy
Yard
1912 August 1
15
89
Letter appointing David Rodgers to position of master shipfitter at the
Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington
1912 August 12
15
90
Letter accepting David Rodgers' letter of resignation from position of
master shipfitter at the Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington
1912 October 28
15
91
Telegram congratulating David Rodgers on launch of first ship from new
yard
1916 September 28
Ephemera
1912-1929
16
92-98
New York newspaper clippings about Skinner and Eddy
1918 May 17
1 letter and 6 clippings
Collection of New York newspaper clippings, from May 17, 1918, mentioning Skinner and Eddy shipyards’
accomplishments, sent to David Rodgers by the United States Shipping Board. Includes a letter of introduction, a
clipping about a riveting competition, clippings mentioning Skinner & Eddy Shipyard, and a verse about shipyard
accomplishments, "The Song of the Shipbuilder" by Louis K. Anspacher.
17
99-123
Articles from Seattle newspapers about David Rodgers and/or Skinner and
Eddy Shipyards
1912-1929
25 clippings
18
124-133
Newspaper articles relating to David Rodgers' personal life, illness and
death
1918, 1923
10 items
19
134
Shipyard News Weekly, Sponsors’ Edition, September 6, 1918, Volume 2, No.
1.
1918
News magazine containing list of ship sponsors and their photographs at the ship launching ceremonies,
along with the gifts presented to them by the shipyards and their employees.
20
134
David Rodgers' Skinner and Eddy Corp. business cards
circa 1918