An unidentified family exits Never Never Land at Point Defiance in June 1965. The popular park attraction first opened in 1964. Alfred Pettersen, who also designed "Wooded Wonderland" in Victoria, British Columbia, was the first manager. The two facilities were said to be the only two "enchanted forests" on the continent. Sadly, Tacoma's enchanted forest has been plagued by petty vandalism over the years.

Parks--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Never Never Land (Tacoma); Amusement parks--Tacoma;

This seal has scrambled out of the water in order to grab a tasty snack from visiting Alaskans, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Seveck and Nina Whaley, reigning Miss Alaska (far right). The trio were personal representatives of Alaska governor William Egan who traveled to Tacoma to aid Tacoma's Chamber of Commerce campaign to promote Alaska's tourist industry. The Sevecks were professional entertainers and guides. TRUEBLOOD 1064 (TNT 5-21-64, B-4)

Whaley, Nina; Beauty contestants; Seveck, Chester; Seveck, Chester--Family; Guests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma); Aquariums--Tacoma; Seals (Animals);

Miss Alaska, Nina Whaley, visited the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium on May 19, 1964, as part of a busy schedule promoting Alaska's summer tourist season. She is pictured above (center with large purse) smiling as she gazes at the outdoor seal and otter exhibit. TRUEBLOOD 1064

Whaley, Nina; Beauty contestants; Guests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma); Aquariums--Tacoma;

Miss Alaska, Nina Whaley, (third from front) and Mr. and Mrs. Chester Seveck visited the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium on May 19, 1964. The Alaskans were in town to promote their state's summer tourist season and had just arrived that morning. They are pictured above wearing fur parkas while standing in front of the polar bear exhibit. TRUEBLOOD 1064 (TNT 5-19-64, p. 1-article)

Whaley, Nina; Seveck, Chester; Seveck, Chester--Family; Beauty contestants; Guests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma); Polar bears--Washington;

ca. 1903. The lake at Point Defiance, circa 1903. Much of the early design of Point Defiance can be laid at the feet of Welsh landscape gardener, and Point Defiance's first superintendent, Ebenezer Roberts. He saw the park as an island of peace and beauty to be used and enjoyed by the people of Tacoma. He also sought to preserve its wildness. He was also one of the forces behind the city obtaining sole ownership of the park in 1905. His vision of rustic beauty shaped the early look of the park. In those days, the animals were housed in the pens seen behind the lake. Elk, bison and deer would gather to eat at the animal pavilions, the small buildings in the pens. Ducks inhabited the lake. In the photograph, a woman in a floor length skirt stands at the top of the lake, taking in its beauty.

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma; Lakes & ponds--Tacoma;

ca. 1928. Two young people hold a brass plaque dedicating the new field house at Ferry Park. In 1928 the field house was built and equipment purchased thanks to a $2,000 donation from the Kiwanis Club. Ferry Park, covering just over 1/2 acre at S. 14th & Cushman, was Tacoma's first park. It was donated to the city on May 14, 1883 by C.P. Ferry when he platted the Ferry Addition to the city. Ferry Park was the site of another first, the first organized playground program during the summer months beginning in the 1920s. (www.metroparkstacoma.org)

Ferry Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The spring tournament of the Northwest Lawn Bowling Association was held in Wright Park May 30 through June 2, 1946. Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wood of Vancouver, B.C. dominated the tournament. Mr. Wood defeated George Wilkinson in the final of the men's event, and Mrs. Wood defeated Mrs. Lew Thomas of Tacoma to take the ladies title. (TNT 06/03/1946 p.7)

Wright Park (Tacoma); Lawn Bowling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Northwest Lawn Bowling Association;

ca. 1930. Point Defiance Park Pavilion circa 1930. The octogonal pavilion was built in 1903 by concessionaire Edwin Ferris and quickly became a popular location for boat rentals, food stands and a fine restaurant which featured clam chowder. Visitors to Point Defiance Park were able to be dropped off via ferry at the pavilion to spend the day strolling among the hundreds of beautifully kept acres, walk the waterfront, revel in the clean air and visit the zoo. The octagonal pavilion was demolished by the late 1930s. (metroparkstacoma.org)

Point Defiance Pavilion (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);

ca. 1908. Families enjoy a sunny day at McKinley Park circa 1908. The 22-acre park was a gift to the City of Tacoma by the Tacoma Land & Improvement Co. in 1901. It was named after President William McKinley who had died that year. The park was covered with trees, shrubs and grass and it took a few years to develop it for the public. Usage of the park diminished after the freeway was constructed along its northern border in 1962 but rebounded with the addition of new playground equipment, new restroom and improved pathways. (metroparkstacoma.org)

McKinley Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910;

ca. 1915. Created from the stump of a massive cedar tree, this bandstand stood in 27-acre Wright Park and was the scene of many civic and formal occasions and celebrations. Two unidentified men are pictured on the bandstand in this circa 1915 photograph. Fire destroyed the bandstand in 1930. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-11 (www.metroparkstacoma.org-short article)

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1910-1920; Tree stumps--Tacoma; Bandstands--Tacoma;

ca. 1910. Two women, names not provided, pause to enjoy the sights of Wright Park's Bird Lake while on a rustic wood bridge circa 1910. Thanks to the planned design of Edward Schwagerl and execution by Ebenezer Roberts, Wright Park delighted its visitors with many rustic features including bridges and elevated flower planters. Located near downtown Tacoma, Wright Park provided a relaxing and soothing atmosphere in what was increasing becoming an urban area. (McGinnis: Tacoma's Wright Park, p. 29)

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1910-1920; Pedestrian bridges--Tacoma; Bird Lake (Tacoma);

ca. 1900. A bicycle leans against a young sapling at the north entrance to Wright Park in this photograph from around 1900. The road curving through the park is Yakima Avenue, which was closed to traffic by the Metropolitan Park Board in 1922. The two "dancing maidens" that stand at either side of the entrance were purchased by Clinton P. Ferry, the "Duke of Tacoma", in Brussels and presented to the city in 1891. Somewhat worse for wear after over 100 years, they still stand at the north end of the park. The tower at the far left is the tower on the old Pierce County Court House which stood at 1012 South G Street. (This image appears on the reverse of BU-10705)

Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Wright Park (Tacoma); Sculpture--Tacoma;

ca. 1910. Several fountains shoot plumes of water into the air above the pond at Pt. Defiance Park. Part of the park's greenhouse peeks out from behind the bushes. Although the area seems void of visitors in this circa 1910 photograph, Point Defiance Park and its (now) 702 acres was a popular destination for city residents. Handy streetcars made the trip to the large park easy for those without automobiles. Once there visitors could enjoy strolling through gardens, picnic areas and on the beach, checking out the conservatory and viewing the zoo animals.

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fountains--Tacoma;

ca. 1905. Families are pictured in this circa 1905 photograph enjoying a pleasant day at Point Defiance Park at what is now called Owen Beach. People dressed more formally back then with ladies and gentlemen in hats, suits and for women, long skirts. Even small children were not seen barefoot. The lack of benches did not prevent visitors from sitting on the somewhat rocky terrain to view the Sound. The beach would later be named Owen Beach in 1959 in honor of longtime Metro Parks employee, Floyd Owen. In the early days of the 20th century, the beach, then only accessible by boat or walking, was called "new" beach or sometimes "Picnic Beach." (metroparkstacoma.org)

Owen Beach (Tacoma); Beaches--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);

ca. 1900. Wright Park looking east circa 1900. The park by this time enjoyed the emergence of a more park-like setting with the planting of hundreds of trees and landscaping to replace the tree stumps and brush originally situated on the land donated by Charles B. Wright in 1886. It would eventually total 27 acres of an oasis in what was becoming an urban part of town. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-7 G41.1-124A, TPL-374

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910;

On Wednesday July 12, 1899, 375 members of the National Editorial Association and their wives arrived in Tacoma for a short visit. They were met at the Tacoma depot by a reception committee consisting of members of the Tacoma Press club, various citizens, and the Tacoma Military Band. After breakfast at the Hotel Tacoma, the editors were taken by barge to the Point Defiance waterfront where their visit included a clambake. It was anticipated that entertaining the newspaper men and their wives would cost a substantial amount of money, and plans were made to raise the required $700. The Military Band was directed by Julius Adler and played daily concerts at Tacoma Parks, travelling from site to site on a tiny private streetcar. Their uniforms consisted of dark trousers and scarlet coats with bright blue trim. This photograph was recently donated by Ann Jorgensen and is from the Alta Scofield Collection/TPL (TNT 6/25/1950, PG. D-11, names of band members in caption)

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Tacoma Military Band (Tacoma); Military bands--United States;

Opening of visitor's center on Mt. Rainier. Senator Henry M. Jackson and his sister, Carol and Lester Nulby (sic) are photographed along with an unidentified woman at the official September 3, 1966, opening of the new Paradise Day Lodge. Senator Jackson is second to the left in the group of four. He was the main speaker that day. The building would later be renamed for Senator Jackson. (TNT 9-4-66, p. 1-article; TNT 9-4-66 magazine, p. 8, p. 17-articles)

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Visitors' centers; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Legislators--Washington--1960-1970;

John Rutter, Supt. of Mt. Rainier National Park (left) and George B. Hartzog, Jr., head of the National Park Service posed together on September 3, 1966, at the official opening of the new visitor's center on Mt. Rainier. Hartzog, in suit, has his hand on Rutter's shoulder. At that time the building was called the Paradise Day Lodge. Senator Henry M. Jackson was the main speaker at the opening and in 1987 the building was renamed in his honor. (TNT 9-4-66, p. 1-article; TNT magazine 9-4-66, p. 8, 17-articles)

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Visitors' centers; Rutter, John; Hartzog, George B.;

Opening of visitor's center on Mt. Rainier. Senator Henry Jackson, a principal speaker at the September 3, 1966, event, is being interviewed while seated on a rock buttress. The dedication drew a large crowd of visitors and dignitaries, including the senator, Congressman Floyd Hicks, Director of the National Park Service George B. Hartzog, Jr., and Tacoma city manager, David Rowlands. The visitors center would later be renamed in honor of Senator Jackson. (TNT 9-4-66, p. 1-article; TNT 9-4-66 magazine p. 8, p. 17-articles)

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Visitors' centers; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Legislators--Washington--1960-1970; Interviews;

Opening of visitor's center on Mt. Rainier in 1966. Crowd of people at reception. The official opening took place on September 3, 1966, and drew many visitors and a host of dignitaries including Congressman Floyd Hicks, Director of the National Park Service George B. Hartzog, Jr., Tacoma City Manager David Rowlands, Pierce County Commissioner Harry Sprinker and Senator Henry M. Jackson. Senator Jackson, a principal speaker at the dedication, indicated that the facility was the largest of its kind in the federal parks system. The building at Paradise was circular and built of reinforced concrete with a pre-cast frame. 65-foot roof beams rested on Y-columns. It had a glassed-in third story observation deck. It was designed by George Wimberly of Honolulu who worked along with associate Gerald Allison of the Tacoma firm of McGuire & Muri. (TNT 9-4-66, p. 1-article; TNT 9-4-66 magazine, p. 8, p. 17-articles)

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Receptions; Visitors' centers;

ca. 1910. Carl W. Sharpe (left), and Clarence R. Sharpe, Manager, sit on the front porch of the Longmire Springs Hotel. From the collection of Beverly Knoll.

Longmire Springs Hotel; Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.)

ca. 1910. Clarence R. Sharpe, Manager, (2nd from left) standing in front of the Longmire Springs Hotel in this circa 1910 photograph. From the collection of Beverly Knoll.

Longmire Springs Hotel; Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Sharpe, Clarence R.;

ca. 1918. Photograph by Albert Henry Barnes of the Mazama party making its way on horseback across Paradise Park, Mount Rainier National Park, circa 1918. Mazama is a Spanish word for "mountain goat" and also the name of the climbing club of Portland, Oregon. The Mazama climbing club was organized on the summit of Mount Hood on July 19, 1894. It was the second climbing club to be organized on the Pacific Rim, the first being the Sierra Club which was founded by John Muir in 1892.The Mazamas had many outings on Mount Rainier beginning in 1897. (ORIGIN OF GEOGRAPHIC NAMES OF TACOMA/PIERCE COUNTY WASHINGTON by Gary Fuller Reese; www.mazamas.org)

Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Packtrains--Mount Rainier; Pack animals--Mount Rainier; Horses; Mazama Climbing Club (Mount Rainier);

ca. 1892. Sunday afternoon strolls through Wright Park were already popular before its trees had been planted. Its rolling knolls were seeded in blue grass and woven with two miles of walks. A small lake near I Street and statues, donated by C. P. Ferry, dot the landscape. Annie Wright Seminary, left, and homes along G Street line the horizon. Wright Park is one of several parks designed by landscape gardner and artist E. O. Schwagerl. French-007

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1890-1900; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--Buildings;

Lake in Wright Park. Sepia photograph taken on July 2, 1896, commemorating the coronation of the Queen of Roses, Elizabeth Dunster (Mrs. Harrison G.) Foster. Mrs. Foster was crowned queen in Tacoma's first annual Rose Carnival by Governor John H. McGraw. She was presented the silver key to the city by Mayor Angelo V. Fawcett. 15,000 viewed the coronation exercises held at Wright Park, some of whom are pictured above. (Tacoma Morning Union, 7-3-1896, p. 1)

Wright Park (Tacoma); Lakes & ponds--Tacoma; Rose Carnival (Tacoma);

ca. 1900. A young nanny pushes a baby in an ornate pram through Wright Park in Tacoma. They have stopped by one of the ponds in the park. A white swan is at the edge of the pond. The tower of the Pierce County Court House just makes it into the photograph at the far left. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Governesses;Baby carriages

ca. 1900. A view of Wright Park from Division Street looking south circa 1900. The tower of the Pierce County Court House just makes it into the photograph at the far left. The parks two statues stand on pedestals on either side of a gravel road that winds through the park. A bicycle leans against a sapling tree. From the collection of Don Cooper. TPL-8288

Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Wright Park (Tacoma); Sculpture--Tacoma--1900-1910; Bicycles & tricycles--Tacoma--1900-1910;

ca. 1900. A man hand feeds a deer as a number of deer crowd around him. The deer are in a fenced in area at Point Defiance Park. A large wooden building stands at the far left in the photograph. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Deer; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910

ca. 1900. A peacock sits on the rustic gate to the fence that surrounds the Lodge at Point Defiance.

Peacocks; Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma)

ca. 1900. Two women sit on a rustic bench, next to a path, in Point Defiance Park. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma)