An unidentified man, possibly Joe Andre, and dog pose in front of the old John Rigney homestead in December 1935. The squared timber house, at 3751 South 74th St. was built in 1870, and was one of the first residences in Pierce County. In 1935, it was being remodeled in keeping with President Roosevelt's FHA modernization program. Some years later the building was deeded to the Washington State Historical Society and it was torn down in 1974. (T. Times).

Rigney, John--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1870-1880; Cabins--Tacoma--1870-1880; Pioneers--Tacoma;

A man and dog pose outside the pioneer home of John Rigney, one of the first houses built in Pierce County. The home was built of squared logs around 1870 and demolished in 1974. John Rigney, a strapping Irish lad, arrived in the United States in 1847 looking for a better life. Jobs were scarce and he enlisted in the US Army. He married another Irish immigrant, Elizabeth Lowry, in 1848 and together the Army sent them around Cape Horn to Fort Vancouver. From there, army companies "M' and "L" helped establish Fort Steilacoom. When his enlistment was up in 1852, he was given a donation claim of 640 acres where he built a log home and raised his 10 children. This area is near present day 64th and Orchard streets in Tacoma. When the railroad was scheduled to come from Portland to Tacoma, Rigney felt that land value would increase & took an additional 160 acre claim east of the original one. It extended from the present day B&I Store to the Manitou area near 74th and South Tacoma Way. This home was built 90 feet from the railroad line. Rigney Hill is now Manitou Park. In 1880, the Rigneys moved to Steilacoom.

Rigney, John--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1870-1880; Cabins--Tacoma--1870-1880; Pioneers--Tacoma; Dogs--Tacoma;