On April 1, 1926, the Manitou Auto Camp in Manitou Park opened for the 1926 season. The camp provided free campsites, water, tables, picnic stoves, fuel and comfort stations. The first visitor to sign the register was Harold Riley, a traveling businessman from Santa Monica, California. Mr. Riley also happened to be at the Auto Camp on the last day of the season last year. Pictured left to right are other early visitors Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Conlon and their son George H. Thomas from Cleveland, Mr. Riley and E.M. Benjamin, camp caretaker. The Camp, located 1/2 mile west of the Pacific Hwy. at South Tacoma, provided overnight sites for visiting travelers. In 1925, over 3,400 cars had entered the park, 2,400 of them from out of state, carrying some 10,500 happy campers. The 1926 season would run from April 1st to November 1st. Around 100 cars a night were anticipated during the heavy use summer months of June- August. (TNT 4/1/1926, pg. 13; TDL 7/18/1920, pg. 1C) Bowen # 26223

ca. 1920. Wright Park. People of all ages enjoy the beauty of Wright Park during the 1920's as they stroll among the many paths and gaze upon peaceful ponds. Feeding the geese seems to have been a popular activity. TPL-6353, Bowen 270-298A.