Random

Tacoma History

A Dome of Our Own: The Tacoma Dome Story

In celebration of the Tacoma Dome’s recent renovation, we were invited to look through the archives at the Tacoma Dome to see what kinds of historical tidbits we could find. From David Bowie to the Backstreet Boys, Truckzilla to RV shows, the archives held all the Dome’s most cherished memories. Read More

Jokes, Smokes and a Miserable Time: Mark Twain’s Visit to Tacoma

When Mark Twain arrived in Tacoma in 1895 he was broke, smoking 10 cigars a day, and seemingly unimpressed by the area. Much like our summer of 2017, wildfires were wreaking havoc in Washington and most of our beautiful scenery was completely hidden from view. Read More

Think Your Potholes are Bad? Check These Out

Here’s the backstory: People talk a lot about busted roads in Tacoma but this 500 foot strip of awful is literally more patch than road at this point. The potholes are so deep you can actually damage your chassis if you don’t navigate them properly. Its infamy is so widespread that, in years past, whenever there was a paving project elsewhere in the city that ended up with surplus asphalt, the crews would bring the extras here to dump into the potholes. Read More

The Chilling History of Tacoma’s “Elf” Storage Building

There was no marketing genius behind turning Tacoma Self Storage into Tacoma “Elf” Storage 11 years ago. It wasn’t a ploy by the company to get free press, or even an enthusiastic holiday reveler looking to spread cheer—it was a happy little accident caused by our feathered friends. Read More

Searching for Tubby: The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse’s Only Victim

It's now been 78 years since the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed, but it was just a handful a months ago one local resident discovered he's now living in the former home of one of the most notable figures from that day. Read More

Paying Homage to the Murray Morgan Bridge

A while back we asked some of our readers what symbolized Tacoma in their eyes. While “Bikini barista stand” gave us a good chuckle, the most popular answer was the Murray Morgan Bridge. Read More

89 Years Ago Tacomans Were Obsessed With Flying to Tokyo

Look up Harold Bromley in the history books and you'll find photos of a man ready to take off for Tokyo from Tacoma Field. Read More

The 1930 “Tacoma Girl” Song Lyrics That Were Nearly Lost

Want to take home a Tacoma girl, a Tacoma pearl? At first glance it seems Phil Baxter did, although his lyrics to a 1930's song about our lovely Tacoma ladies were nearly lost for good. Read More

How to Avoid a Parking Ticket in 1940s Tacoma

Parking in downtown Tacoma wasn't any easier in the late 1930s than it is today. In fact, that decade was filled with disputes between shop owners who wanted spaces to be available for customers and "parking hog" employees that stayed all day. Read More

The Strange History of the Tacoma Totem Pole

Nestled in downtown Tacoma in a narrow park stands a totem pole. At one point, it was brightly painted, but the paint is faded. Graffiti is carved into the base. At the top sits an eagle with wings spread, as if surveying the port below. Read More

Tall Cool Ones: Five Highlights of Tacoma Music History

Tacoma may not be Nashville or Detroit, but it's got its fair share of music history. The argument could be made, in fact, that the Grit City is the figurative birthplace of garage rock, and it's inarguably the literal birthplace of one of America's most beloved music celebrities Read More

Snapshots of Father’s Day in Tacoma History

Judging by photos from decades past, all-out Father’s Day pampering is a time-honored Tacoma tradition. Here we take a look at snapshots of what Father’s Day has been like in Tacoma history, including a birthday note for a cat named Tricia. Read More

Wild Edibles Foraging: Don’t Knock It Until You’ve Nibbled It

We’re A Little Jealous We Didn’t Get To Go To Tacoma Girls Rock Camp

Seattle-Based The Needling Takes Aim at Tacoma and Beyond

A Look at Tacoma’s Union Station ca. 1970

The Clever Tacoma Mall Design You May Have Missed

Hard Copy #1: Bootleg Edition

HARD COPY 4

YOU’LL HATE TACOMA STICKER

HARD COPY SUBSCRIPTION

HARD COPY 4: ALMA MATER PURCHASE