Little is known about the origination of the Woodbrook Club, however, newspaper articles dating back to 1911 mention the club.  The first benefactor of the Club was Tacoma Banker Chester Thorne and his wife Anna. In 1926, a large property near the Fort Lewis Reservation soon became an area for horse riding, jumps and drag hunts.  Residents…

When Tacoma’s streetcars were still humming and the Narrows Bridge gateway began here, 6th Avenue was already doing what it still does best. Moving people through, connecting neighborhoods, keeping the city in motion. Kmart is gone. Shakey’s is gone. PhotoMat, the tiny booth-like time capsule you drove past without thinking is gone too. But the…

Earl and Floyd Willits two brothers who came from Iowa with a talent like no other: determination, perseverance and unique carpentry skills. These brothers worked together along the shore of Commencement Bay while a neighborhood of homes and families grew up alongside them. Discover how the Day Island Yach Club was formed, how documenting their…

The Summer of 1929 was exceptionally dry and the Fall was not better, significantly draining Tacoma’s electricity.  The shortage became so critical that Superintendent Ira S. Davisson had to cut power to homes and businesses. In December 1929, there were several discussions between the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and lumber mill operators to shift their…

During the 1910’s residents of Tacoma wanted the peace and quiet of the suburbs before the suburbs became popular.  Craftsman homes on the corner of North 13th and Stevens Street, North 12th and Stevens Street and North 12th & Huson Street still stand today.  Residents Mr. William Lechner, a barber; Mr. Christian Jorgensen a laborer…

The Summer of 1929 was exceptionally dry and the Fall was not better, significantly draining Tacoma’s electricity. The shortage became so critical that Superintendent Ira S. Davisson had to cut power to homes and businesses. In December 1929, there were several discussions between the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and lumber mill operators to shift their…

What if Christmas isn’t something we invent each year, but something we inherit? Christmas in Tacoma is a warm story-filled presentation tracing how Tacoma has celebrated the season for over 150 years. From a booming Christmas tree business to carolers carrying harmony down dark streets, to snowy evenings that turned Tacoma into a postcard, you…

What if Christmas isn’t something we invent each year, but something we inherit? Christmas in Tacoma is a warm story-filled presentation tracing how Tacoma has celebrated the season for over 150 years. From a booming Christmas tree business to carolers carrying harmony down dark streets, to snowy evenings that turned Tacoma into a postcard, you…

What if Tacoma was built twice … once in lumber and brick and again in courage? Join Tacoma historian Patty Mannie (4th generation Tacoman) for a vivid presentation on “The Women Who Built Tacoma” about female entrepreneurs who saw what could be and built it anyway.  Meet Bethel Schneebeck, Miss Alice Humble, Mrs. Violet Green…

What if Christmas isn’t something we invent each year, but something we inherit? Christmas in Tacoma is a warm story-filled presentation tracing how Tacoma has celebrated the season for over 150 years. From a booming Christmas tree business to carolers carrying harmony down dark streets to snowy evenings that turned Tacoma into a postcard, you…

What if Christmas isn’t something we invent each year, but something we inherit? Christmas in Tacoma is a warm story-filled presentation tracing how Tacoma has celebrated the season for over 150 years. From a booming Christmas tree business to carolers carrying harmony down dark streets to snowy evenings that turned Tacoma into a postcard, you…

What if Christmas isn’t something we invent each year, but something we inherit? Christmas in Tacoma is a warm story-filled presentation tracing how Tacoma has celebrated the season for over 150 years. From a booming Christmas tree business to carolers carrying harmony down dark streets to snowy evenings that turned Tacoma into a postcard, you…