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Dayl W. James Photo Album, 1946-1959

Overview of the Collection

Creator
James, Dayl W., 1912-1997
Title
Dayl W. James Photo Album
Dates
1946-1959 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.25 linear feet, (1 box)
Collection Number
NWC.116
Summary
This collection consists of a photograph album containing construction site photographs from four different projects, worked on by Dayl W. James, in the Inland Northwest in the 1940s and the 1950s. James was a carpenter and general contractor who was active in the Spokane area from 1936 until his retirement in 1974.
Repository
Spokane Public Library, Inland Northwest Special Collections
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English
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Biographical Note

Dayl W. James was a carpenter and general contractor who was active in the Spokane area from 1936 until his retirement in 1974. He was a notable homebuilder during the postwar construction boom. In addition, he was a subcontractor for local construction firms, including H. Halvorson Construction, which built commercial and government buildings in eastern Washington and Idaho. A member of Carpenters Local 98, he also completed a civil engineering degree through La Salle Extension University.

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Content Description

One photo album containing construction site photographs from four different projects in the Inland Northwest in the 1940s and the 1950s: the FICON pit at Fairchild Air Force Base, Farwell Elementary School in Mead, an addition to the main Albertson's store in Boise and a housing development near Geiger Field.The FICON (Fighter Conveyor) project was an attempt by the United States Air Force to provide air support and tactical bombardment through fighters attached to the bomb bays of modified B-36 bombers. FICON required a trench, or pit, to place the fighters into their carrier bombers. This concept saw limited service with squadrons based at Fairchild AFB and Larson AFB in eastern Washington. The FICON project and its associated construction show the prominent role of Fairchild AFB in the regional economy and as part of the Air Force Strategic Air Command.

Taken by carpenter Dayl W. James, these photos of buildings, workers and equipment include handwritten dates and identifying information. They are pasted onto sticky photo album backing.

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

This collection was found in a garage sale at the home of Dayl W. James and donated to the Spokane Public Library.

Processing Note

Processed by Clayton Hanson in December 2010.

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Subject Terms

  • Construction projects

Geographical Names

  • Fairchild Air Force Base (Wash.)
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