Aerial photograph on June 23, 1964, of Browns Point residence of lumber magnate Ben Cheney. Richards Studio notes indicate that the pilot would not fly lower due to complaints from local residents. The large sprawling complex in the center of the photograph was the Cheney estate, including the swimming pool and guesthouse on the left and private tennis court at the edge of the large stand of timber. The Cheneys, along with their near neighbors, sported well-manicured lawns. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (Additional information supplied by Eric Swanson) TPL-9417

Aerial photographs; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts;

Santa appears to have made an early stop at the Ben Cheney household in Browns Point on December 23, 1957. Presents of all shapes and sizes, all colorfully decorated, are scattered throughout the living room. Little Piper Cheney and big sister Sandy are dressed in robes; Piper has ensconced herself in a little red wagon and is holding a small gift. Marian Cheney looks up and smiles while displaying a present while husband Ben leans over her shoulder. Ben Cheney was a well-known local lumberman and philanthropist. Sepia photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Cheney, Sandra; Cheney, Piper; Christmas trees; Christmas presents; Toys;

Christmas time at the Ben Cheney residence meant lots of gifts for the children and mom and dad. Presents are spilling over onto the living room floor, including a nearby coffee table. A bright red Flyer wagon is ready for a small child to hop on for a ride, or load up with toys and pulled. The Norfolk pine tree stands tall, perfectly fitting in with the beautiful wood walls; ornaments can be displayed at their best advantage. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Christmas presents; Christmas trees; Toys;

Ben and Marian Cheney with daughters Piper and Sandy are in the process of decorating the Christmas tree in their Browns Point home on December 15, 1957. Mr. Cheney and Sandy both hold up elaborate ornaments. One of the many photographs taken that day would be used for the Cheney Lumber company Christmas card. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Family; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Cheney, Sandra; Cheney, Piper; Christmas trees--Tacoma--1950-1960;

It was a pleasant Valentine's Day in 1958 at the Ben Cheney residence when the Cheneys hosted a reception for the victorious Cheney Studs basketball team. Ben Cheney holds a trophy proclaiming the Cheney Studs the City League champions. Marian Cheney has an opened box of fresh carnations in her arms. The basketball players had just concluded games at Fife High School. Flanking the Cheneys are believed to be the O'Brien twins, former basketball stalwarts from Seattle University and currently members of the Studs team. The O'Briens, Eddie and Johnny, would be heading south for spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 2-11-58, C-4)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Awards; Carnations--Tacoma; Receptions--Tacoma;

Interiors of Ben Cheney's home in Browns Point. The living room of the home has knotty wood panelling, exposed beams and a sunken conversation pit in front of the stone fireplace. A trophy and baseball memorabilia line the mantel. The room features the ever present fifties television and comfortable seating. The room has a comfortable, homey feel.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Living rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interiors of Ben Cheney's home in Browns Point. This is the bedroom of Ben Cheney's daughter Sandra. Open closet doors show neatly lined up dresses and shoes. Television set can be seen in built-in cabinets.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Dolls; Stuffed animals (Toys); Bedrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interiors of Ben Cheney's home in Browns Point. This is the bedroom of Ben Cheney's daughter Sandra. Her doll collection and stuffed animals line the room. Twin beds provide space for having friends sleep over.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Dolls; Stuffed animals (Toys);

ca. 1955. Interiors of Ben Cheney's home. The living room of Cheney's home in Browns Point has exposed beams, knotty wood panelling and a large fieldstone fireplace. In front of the fireplace is a sunken conversation pit with pillows. The furniture is simple and comfortable. Although Cheney was a millionaire, his home is very simply decorated and comfortable.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Living rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. Interiors of Ben Cheney's home. The living room of Cheney's home in Browns Point is simply furnished and decorated. A leather or vinyl comfortable chair with ottoman sits next to a table loaded with magazines. Sports trophies and baseball memorabilia adorn the shelves and flat surfaces. A photograph of one of the Cheney Stud baseball teams is mounted over the heater. Although Cheney was a millionaire, his tastes remained simple, as indicated by this room.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Living rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Ben Cheney's home. The original Cheney home was burned on January 11, 1949. Cheney was rescued by neighbors from a second story window. This new home was designed by Percy G. Ball, AIA. The Ben Cheney family home in Browns Point was a large, two-story structure with wood siding. This is the west exposure. Multiple picture windows throughout the house allowed residents to enjoy the panoramic view. The master bedroom is on the far left, with another bedroom adjacent. The family room and childrens' playroom is in the projecting portion of the upper floor with the dining room and living room below. The Cheney's six-year-old daughter, Sandra, had a special playhouse of her own; constructed with a porch, chimney, and windows, it was featured in a News Tribune layout on children's playrooms and houses dated July 18, 1954. (TNT 7-18-54, D-1; TNT 12-20-59, C-13)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;