ca. 1933. Cars are parked everywhere on the grass as their owners enjoy the rides at Funland, circa 1933. Funland was an amusement park located at Point Defiance Park and operated by the Point Defiance Amusement Co. The carnival rides can be seen in the background, as well as several low buildings.

Funland (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Amusement parks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Amusement rides--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobiles--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1933. View of parked cars at Funland, located at Point Defiance Park, circa 1933. The carnival type rides that have drawn the crowds can be seen in the background.

Funland (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Amusement parks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Amusement rides--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobiles--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1933. Funland at Point Defiance Park, circa 1933. People wait in line to ride the miniature train ride. The small locomotive is followed a long train of cars filled with people. A shed-type building with curved roof can be seen with a sign reading "Dodgem." This is most likely the location of the Bumper Car ride. This was one of the most popular weekend destinations for Tacomans, as can be seen from the crowds.

Funland (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Amusement parks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Amusement rides--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bumper cars; Crowds;

ca. 1933. Crowds gather at Funland, an amusement park, located at Point Defiance and operated by the Point Defiance Amusement Co. One of the most crowded areas of Pt. Defiance Park on a weekend day in 1933 would be Funland, as families purchased tickets to experience the carnival rides. Spectators in the front are viewing the action on a circular track. While in the back is the tall steel structure spinning the Swing ride. Tall light standards each support two distinctive lights and bulb lights are strung between the standards for extra evening illumination.

Funland (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Amusement parks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Amusement rides--Tacoma--1930-1940; Crowds;

ca. 1933. Parked cars cover the grounds around Funland as crowds descend on a weekend day to ride the carnival type rides. Funland was an amusement park with rides located at Point Defiance Park. A low building is in the middle of the photograph with the swing ride, the oval track and the facade for the bumper car ride beyond. TPL-8321

Funland (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Amusement parks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Amusement rides--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobiles--Tacoma--1930-1940;

In 1933 work began in earnest to create Jefferson Park on Tacoma's "West End," originally bordered by North 7th and North 9th Streets, Mason Avenue and Monroe Street. Men are pictured grading on site with the help of shovels and a bulldozer. The land for the park had originally been purchased in increments in the early 1920s and "Jefferson" selected as the park's name in 1924. The finished park was finally dedicated in November, 1937, as a center for recreation for the growing neighborhood. (filed with Argentum)

Jefferson Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bulldozers;

In 1933 work began in earnest to create Jefferson Park on Tacoma's "West End", originally bordered by North 7th and North 9th Streets, Mason Avenue and Monroe Street. The land for the park had originally been purchased in the early 1920s. The finished park was finally dedicated in November, 1937. This photograph was taken from near the corner of north 7th and Mason looking northeast.

Jefferson Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma; Bulldozers;

Unidentified baseball team, circa 1926, posed in front of the stands of Athletic Park. The man to the right is wearing a uniform, knee high boots, and an insignia with the letters "KC" on his sleeve. Their shirts have the letters S, V. (WSHS)

Athletic Park (Tacoma); Baseball--1920-1930; Athletic fields--Tacoma--1920-1930; Baseball players--1920-1930;

ca. 1926. Athletic Park, ca. 1926, with its covered stands where fans could watch games in comfort. The Park, located on Sprague Ave. between 14th & 15th St., opened in 1907 and had a capacity of 4500 fans. Its playing field was composed of natural grass, not artificial surfaces. Metro Parks acquired the site in 1953 and renamed it Peck Field. (WSHS)

Athletic Park (Tacoma); Baseball--1920-1930; Athletic fields--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The Stadium High School varsity football team had an undefeated season during the 1946-1947 school year when they wore the Cross-State and City crowns.The varsity football captains were Bruce Andreasen and Wells Anderson. Coach Heinrick was both the football coach and a guidance counselor. View of a Stadium football game, photo taken for the Tahoma, Stadium's yearbook.

Athletic fields--Tacoma; Football--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stadium High School (Tacoma);

The fence at Tiger Ball Park. The baseball field in Tacoma was known as Tacoma Baseball Park or Tiger Ball Park. The field would be used for all local high school games, College of Puget Sound home games, all games of the 70-tilt City league schedule in addition to home games of the Tigers for the 1950 season. This view shows advertising signs for Brown & Haley, Mobilgas, Coca-Cola, Burnett Brothers, Peerless Laundry, Washington Hardware, and City Sign Company. The score board is nestled in above Mobilgas and below Mallon Motors. Ordered by Robert Martin, c/o W.H. Opie Co. (TNT, 4/26/1950, p.19)

Athletic fields--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Baseball Park (Tacoma); Tiger Ball Park (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Advertisements--Tacoma;

Cyclone fencing around the lions' grotto at Point Defiance Zoo. The money for modern zoo habitats was raised by the citizens of Tacoma during public fund raisers to replace antiquated housing. When it was suggested that Tacoma's poorly cared for and ailing lions be moved to Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, a "Save Our Lions" fund drive commenced. The citizens of Tacoma donated $12,000, including change from school children and funds from civic and social clubs. The $104,000 Pt. Defiance Animal House opened in November of 1953, helped along by a special levy. A plaque read "This zoo made possible by the goodwill of the citizens of Tacoma." Point Defiance Zoo had three lions. The best known was Norma, a 300 pound good natured cat best remembered for riding in an open convertible with former Mayor John Anderson during a parade. The other two were Norma's mother Alice and Sammy, a male recently purchased from the Clyde Beatty circus. (TNT 8/14/1955, Pacific Parade magazine, TNT 11/22/1953)

Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Lions; Cages--Tacoma; Zoos--Tacoma--1950-1960; Zoo animals;

In August of 1955, two unidentified young girls were photographed as they gazed up at Northern Pacific Engine No. 1364 at Point Defiance Park. The 4-6-0 type engine was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1902, and for the first 25 years of its service it was used to assist the North Coast Limited over the Cascades. It was retired in 1953 and donated by the Northern Pacific Railroad to the Metropolitan Park Board. It was on display on a specially installed section of track just south of Funland at Point Defiance from 1954 to the mid-1970s. The Yakima Valley Rail and Steam Association is refurbishing the antique engine in Toppenish. (TNT 1/27/1954, pg. 11 & Toppenish Review 8/8/2001)

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Railroad locomotives;

Cyclone fence surrounding Engine # 1364 on display at Point Defiance Park. In 1868, the US government claimed Point Defiance as a military reservation. The land laid unused for 20 years until 1888, when Congress allowed the land to be turned into a park. In 1905, Tacoma gained full control of the park with the military only reserving the right to repossess in a national emergency. From the beginning, the park was developed in a manner that would preserve its natural state while accommodating the public. The park saw an influx of federal funds and work force through the projects of the 30's. Point Defiance received this 1902 series locomotive from the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Railroad locomotives;

On June 9, 1940, there would be a double dedication ceremony at Point Defiance, for the new boathouse (pictured) and the new museum at Fort Nisqually. Construction on the boathouse was started in December of 1939 and completed June 1, 1940. It was the largest west of Chicago, 345 x 125 feet, and cost $21,497. It was constructed of wood and built adjacent to the existing cement pavilion, which would now be converted to an expanded aquarium. The lower deck contained 500 boat lockers, 50 motor boat lockers and space for 200 concession rental boats. Live bait, fishing gear and electric hoists were available. The lower deck had 50,00 square feet and the upper promenade and balcony contained 20,000. Upstairs were the concessions including the restaurant and lunch room counter seating. A dining and banquet room were scheduled to be completed in the future. The restaurant would serve fresh salmon dinners at all times, or you could bring your own salmon catch and have it prepared and served to you. New were marine gas accommodations and berths for commercial craft, such as the excursion boat the Virginia V. (T. Times 5/7/1940, pg. 1 & 11)

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

ca. 1909. Photograph taken on an excursion to Mount Rainier in 1909 near Longmire Springs. The woman second from the left, holding an unidentified child, is Helen Shaver. The man to the right, with his left hand on his hip, is Albert Henry Barnes. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Camping--Pierce County--1900-1910; Shaver, Helen; Barnes, Albert Henry;

ca. 1909. Tipso Lake in Mount Rainier National Park in 1909. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Tipso Lake--Pierce County--1900-1910

ca. 1909. A view of the buildings at Longmire Springs in Mount Rainier National Park in 1909. Several rustic wooden buildings are shown along with a number of tents. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Longmire Springs (Washington); Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Tents

ca. 1909. Giant trees tower over a rustic road through Mount Rainier National Park. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.);

ca. 1909. A lone hiker stands at the edge of a cliff of glacial ice, part of the Nisqually Glacier, looking toward Mount Rainier. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Nisqually Glacier; Mountaineering--Washington--1900-1910; Snow & ice climbing; Rainier, Mount (Wash.)

ca. 1909. A small group, on horseback, with camping equipment, ride through Indian Henry's Hunting Ground in Mountain Rainier National Park. The group is with Albert Henry Barnes who was on a photography excursion to Mount Rainier. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Mount Rainier national Park (Wash.); Indian Henry's Hunting Ground; Horses;

Packed bleachers and covered stand at Athletic Park. Spectators are there on August 16, 1924, to watch teams battle it out in the sixth round of baseball's City League. Athletic Park had a capacity of 4,500. G53.1-051 (print has been damaged)

Athletic Park (Tacoma); Athletic fields--Tacoma--1920-1930; Baseball--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Rose garden, Point Defiance Park. Point Defiance Park has more than an acre of rose gardens for the public to enjoy. This view of the park in 1924 shows gardens neatly laid out with benches strategically placed for people to sit and gaze at the many varieties of roses. The oldest of the gardens was planted in 1895. TPL-10531

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Roses--Tacoma; Gardens--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Only the tip of Mt. Tacoma (Rainier) is visible among the clouds on this spring day in 1925. The view of The Mountain was taken from the Odd Fellows Temple in downtown Tacoma. Some of the prominent businesses/buildings noted are: Puget Sound National Bank Bldg on the far right edge; the towering Washington Building near center, the Winthrop Hotel at the left edge, and the Y.M.C.A. with its rooftop signage in the left foreground. G8.1-075

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washington Building (Tacoma); Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Young Mens Christian Association (Tacoma);

Regent Park residents of all ages pitched in and helped to spruce up the Spring Lake area of their community on May 17, 1925. New shrubs and flowers were planted and watered and vegetation trimmed. Regents Park and its 306 residents would incorporate as the Town of Fircrest in September of 1925. G72.1-117 (TNT 5-18-25, p. 5-article on beautification project)

Regents Park (Fircrest); Real estate development--Fircrest; Urban beautification--Fircrest--1920-1930;

Photographer Marvin Boland took a trip through the outlying towns and Mt. Tacoma (now Rainier) on July 3, 1925. He stopped at this unidentified small community which was on a railroad line. This view of the town shows Mt. Tacoma glimmering among dark clouds and the rural setting beneath nestled among tall trees. G72.1-072

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Cities & towns--Washington;

Parked in front of the Nereides Baths at Point Defiance Park in early September of 1918 was a Western Logging Company truck with a long pipe as cargo. The Nereides Baths opened in 1906 on a bluff above the boathouse. It had been designed by prominent Tacoma architect Frederick Heath and was constructed of logs, resembling a Swiss chalet. The pavilion had an indoor heated saltwater pool, the first indoor swimming pool in Tacoma. Swimmers rented gray cotton suits to frolic in the 80 degree water. The gray suits were required because the owners feared that colors would run and dye the water. "Admission to spectators" was listed as 10 cents in 1918. The baths were demolished in 1932. (thenewstribune.com, metroparkstacoma.org) G41.1-040, TPL-2799

Nereides Baths (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1910-1920; Pipes (Conduits)--Tacoma; Western Logging Co.;

This view of the downtown business district, with Mount Tacoma (Rainier) looming in the distance, was taken from the Winthrop Hotel on November 27, 1925. Standing in the photograph's center is the 17-story newly completed Washington Building. A large electric sign, 90-feet long and 30-feet high, advertised the presence of the new Brotherhood Cooperative National Bank which occupied the ground floor on the 11th St. side. Further down Pacific Avenue is the Puget Sound National Bank (1117-19) with its familiar spire. Across from the Washington Building is the Rust Building, built only five years before. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 5-31-25, E-8-article on the Washington Building; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-28-25, B1-3-article on Brotherhood Bank) G8.1-080

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washington Building (Tacoma); Brotherhood Cooperative National Bank (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1920-1930; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);

Ohop Valley with white capped Mount Tacoma (Rainier). Ohop Valley is south of the Puyallup River in south central Pierce County. G76.1-068

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Ohop Valley (Wash.);

This is believed to be part of the "Immigrant Trail" through the Naches Pass that wandered into Mount Tacoma (now Rainier) in 1926. Mount Tacoma is visible in the background. G76.1-082

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Mountain roads;