Lawson Nicholson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawson Ambrose Nicholson
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| Born | March 3, 1866 Stockton, California
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| Died | March 1, 1947 (aged 80) Tacoma, Washington
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| Resting place | Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, Washington |
| Alma mater | Washington College, Tacoma |
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| Years active | 1888–1947 |
| Known for | A Washington State pioneer, engineer, and surveyor. Was Everett's first City Engineer, twice served as Tacoma City Engineer, and was City Engineer of Steilacoom and Ruston. Participated in cities' development and municipal affairs as well as the building of major constructions. |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth James (married in 1892) |
| Children | 2 sons, 1 stepson |
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Lawson Ambrose Nicholson (March 3, 1866 – March 1, 1947) was an important engineer and surveyor in Washington State. He helped build and develop many cities in the northwest.
Nicholson worked as a City Engineer in Everett, Tacoma, Steilacoom, and Ruston. He was Everett's very first City Engineer in 1893. He also served as Tacoma City Engineer twice, in 1904 and 1916.
He was known for leading big city projects. These included building the Tacoma Terminal Company and the Tacoma Speedway. He also helped create the Stadium Bowl in Tacoma and the Ruston Tunnel.
Lawson Nicholson was also a surveyor for many years. He helped manage public lands and waterways for Washington State. He even designed a famous sign called Tacoma's Star of Destiny.
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Early Life and Family History
Lawson Ambrose Nicholson was born on March 3, 1866. His birthplace was Stockton, California. His father, Albert S. Nicholson, was an Episcopalian religious leader. His mother was Mary Nicholson (Warner).
In 1868, his family moved to Vancouver, Washington. There, his father built the city's first church. In 1886, the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. Lawson Nicholson lived most of his life in Tacoma.
Education and First Jobs
Lawson Nicholson learned engineering on his own. He studied with private teachers in Vancouver, Washington. This was until 1882.
After learning the basics, he started gaining real-world experience. His first job was at a factory that made sash and doors. He worked there for one year. From 1883 to 1886, he worked in the building materials business.
When his family moved to Tacoma, he went to Washington College. He also worked as a school teacher for a year while studying.
Engineering Career
Working in Everett
In 1893, Nicholson moved to the new city of Everett. He was appointed Everett City Engineer. This happened at one of the first meetings of the city's council. He served in this role for one year.
He also did important work for the Rucker Brothers. They were early business leaders in Everett.
Developing Tacoma
Nicholson later returned to Tacoma. He spent over 20 years working there. At first, he worked as a general engineer. Later, he focused on building street railroads. By 1903, he was very well-known in the city.
On January 20, 1904, he became Tacoma City Engineer for the first time. He held this job for six months. That same year, he became Chief Engineer for the Tacoma Terminal Company. This company managed freight and passenger services in Tacoma.
By 1910, Nicholson was working on his own again. He was hired by Stadium High School. He helped architect Frederick Heath build the Stadium Bowl. This building was considered very unique in the U.S. Nicholson drew the detailed plans for this project.
He often gave advice during important city discussions. In 1912, he spoke to the Puyallup Commercial Club. He talked about developing the Puyallup River. He also discussed ways to protect farmland.
After the Panama Canal opened in 1914, trade grew in the Pacific Northwest. Nicholson offered ideas for improving Tacoma's waterways and tide flats.
In 1914, Nicholson became the Engineer in Charge. He oversaw the building of the Tacoma racing track. He believed it was "the most expensive speedway on the continent."
In 1916, he became Tacoma City Engineer again. The City Council chose him without any disagreements. This time, he was in charge of all city engineering work. He led departments that used to be separate. These included power, water works, and general engineering.
Surveying Work
From 1888 to 1891, Nicholson worked with A. H. Lindley. They had a surveying company called Lindley & Nicholson in Tacoma. When Lindley moved away in 1895, Nicholson worked alone. He worked on land surveys, legal descriptions, and city projects. He also engineered waterfront areas. His expert opinion was valued in court cases.
In 1898, the company became Lindley, Nicholson & Bullard. In 1900, it changed to Nicholson & Bullard. Nicholson was the main partner. From 1931 to 1947, he led a surveying business called Nicholson & Sons. He also created several standard maps of Tacoma.
Between 1904 and 1917, Nicholson worked for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This department manages public lands and water areas in Washington State. He surveyed 124 land plats for them. From 1919 until he passed away in 1947, he was listed as a DNR surveyor.
Other Important Projects
Besides his work in Tacoma, Nicholson helped with many projects in other northwestern cities. He was an engineer for the state harbor line commission. He surveyed harbors in Sidney, Marysville, and Snohomish.
He also served as City Engineer for Steilacoom, Washington from 1906 to 1913. And for Ruston, Washington from 1905 to 1915.
In Ruston, Nicholson worked on the Ruston Tunnel. This tunnel was built starting in 1912. It was later seen as the last part of the old American Smelting and Refining Company smelter site. The tunnel was taken down in 2011.
Nicholson designed a star that became known as Tacoma's Star of Destiny. This sign appeared in many newspaper ads by promoter Allen C. Mason. Later, the star was placed near Mason's statue in Tacoma. This honored Nicholson as its designer.
From 1945 to 1947, Nicholson was semi-retired.
Personal Life
Lawson Nicholson married Elizabeth James in 1892. They had two sons, Harold and Charles. He also had a stepson named Morton.
Lawson Nicholson passed away on March 1, 1947. He died at his home in Tacoma.
