Fireworks

By 1956 the stage was set for the now traditional central fireworks display. Dick Mansfield had a contact at Angle Lake where fireworks had been a feature for several years. fly adopting some of their techniques he was able to ‘take the necessary arrangements to purchase the fireworks, hire a pyro technician and obtain required permits and insurance. This came to about $700.00 that year which presumably was covered by the now traditional subscription fees. (Presumably didn’t work a few years when only through frank Tanaka’s generosity was the bill balanced).

In 1957 Dick had further refined the process to where he had taken on also the duties of pyro technician, having been qualified as such by courses conducted by Red Devil Fire Works Company of Tacoma. (As a shrewd businessman Dick also maneuvered price concessions in exchange for sales space on his business parking lot on Des Moines Way).

The Ruth School property was ready. The equipment and supplies were ready. A group of volunteer helpers were ready and the lake residents were ready-really-ready! The first mortars were loaded, the fuses lighted and kaboom:

The sky lighted up just like the book said. Dick turned to his crew and they had disappeared—at least temporarily . It developed that Dick was the only one with W.W.II field experience.

The program was carried out without mishap, nor has there ever been an injury in the many years since. Entering the scene in the 70’s George Holland became co-detonator with Mansfield and later when Dick decided he’d had enough George took over the project. Everything continued to go well through the years and now as Holland is contemplating retirement we understand Bob Pierson is accredited 1^st alternate (his young kids are pleased as punch).