TACOMA
October 1, 1929: Certification of private lights: "Tacoma, Wash.---The Richfield Oil Co. of California is operating a 24-inch beacon, 8,000,000 candlepower, six revolutions per minute (on SF-S airway), elevation of main beam above horizon 1 degree, located 1 mile south of Tacoma post office, latitude 47 degree 12' 30", longitude 122 degree 28' 30"; altitude 200 feet. This beacon is mounted on top of a 125-foot tower, on two sides of which are red neon signs 115 feet long with the word "Richfield," the third side having initials "TC" in neon 15-foot letters. A 24-inch directional projector, 8,000,000 candlepower, elevation of beam above horizon 1 degree, points to the Tacoma Airport, 5 miles south, which is lighted for night flying." (Air Commerce Bulletin, Vol. 1, No. 7)
March 11, 1930: "Fire early this morning destroyed a Richfield Oil company service station on the Pacific highway just south of Tacoma at an estimated loss of $15,000.
Authorities are investigating rumors that the blaze was of incendiary origin as the result of reports that a man was seen prowling around the station at midnight.
The service station was a unit of a large development of the oil company, which was planned to include cottages and a hotel at a cost of well over $200,000. This development was planned as a unit of similar projects of the Richfield company along the coast. The station was one of the finest in Tacoma and vicinity.
A gasoline price war is underway here but authorities have been unable to connect the fire to the price conflict." (The News-Review - Roseburg, Oregon)