The launching of LST 157 marked a significant moment for the Evansville Shipyard as its first vessel was launched. In this image Evansville Mayor William Dress speaks to the invitation-only crowd gathered for the festivities. Dress, who had advocated locating a shipyard in Evansville, served as the city's mayor from 1935-1943, 1948-1949.

In this image, note the hundreds of people gathered on the yet-to- be-completed LST to watch the launching of the 157. Those not at the Shipyard watched the launching from Sunset Park, Dress Plaza and from the roofs of buildings along Riverside Drive.

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