David EilersMarch 9, 2015

1945 Photo of Lake Washington Jeep Test on eBay

I wonder where on Lake Washington they tested this jeep? I can't imagine why the army would choose Lake Washington (borders the eastern side of Seattle), as there were no military facilities nearby of which I'm aware.

"1945- U.S. soldier tests drives a jeep in Lake Washington to test its watertight motor. Mufflers have been removed and long chimney-like air vents are connected to the engine."

View all the information on eBay

1945-08-09-lake-washington-seattle-water1

1945-08-09-lake-washington-seattle-water2

4 Comments

Joe in MesaMarch 9, 2015 at 2:28 PM
Fort Lawton was nearby... in what is now the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. My Dad shipped out from there for Japan. Wikipedia reports 20,000 soldiers were stationed there at that time. For this test I imagine they would have preferred the calmer lake water to Puget Sound. But is this soldier "smoking"? You can't do that in a military vehicle any more.
Cody R. MaverickMarch 11, 2015 at 12:42 AM
Here are some pics. http://www.sandptnavsta.org/Map/1944-MAP-KEY.gif http://navy.memorieshop.com/Sand-Point/Cory-Graff-Book/1940s/Base-Aerial-1943.jpg http://www.sandptnavsta.org/Gate-1953.jpg http://www.sandptnavsta.org/Historic-District/Buildings/Control-tower/West-Elevatiion.jpg http://rlv.zcache.com/naval_air_station_sand_point_mug-rbbcc049a0369443cb0f7c0aaa0980ddf_x7j1z_8byvr_324.jpg
Cody R. MaverickMarch 11, 2015 at 12:45 AM
My first comment didn't post. I think that if this test was done on Lake Washington, it would probably have been at the Sand Point Naval Air Station on Lake Washington. I used to go there in the early 80's to get my regulation haircuts while attending the University of Washington. It was also the most convenient place to shop at the exchange and the commissary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Station_Puget_Sound
deilersMarch 11, 2015 at 4:04 AM
Cody, your comment is there now. I forgot about Sand Point. Yeah, that could be a strong possibility.