Latest

Tacoma History

May We Have Tacoma’s Attention, Please?

Well before the online era, promoters and performers went to great lengths to capture the attention of Tacomans. A look back at some of the creative lengths businesses, and the city itself, have gone to as catalogued and in the Tacoma Public Library's online archives... Read More

Here’s What It Took to Be Named the Perfect Mrs. Tacoma Housewife in 1955

From the 'you can't make this stuff up files' comes a look back at the 1955 Tacoma Home Show, where there was plenty for guests to see at the College of Puget Sound's field house (now the University of Puget Sound). Read More

This Is What It Looks Like When Nature Reclaims a Piece of Tacoma

Have you ever wondered how long it would take nature to reclaim a neighborhood if everyone just got up and left? It’s hard to say how long an average house would last, but if you wiped the neighborhood off the map and left the ground bare, 67 years is, evidently, more than enough time to blend the land back into the surrounding wilderness. Read More

The Lesser-Known History of Stadium Bowl

When Stadium Bowl first opened in 1910 it was a pretty big deal. Theodore Roosevelt visited a year later and had this to say about it: 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

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

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

A Rare Look at the Remnants of Tacoma’s Realart Theater

Just inside 5415 So. Tacoma Way you'll find wall art from a Chinese restaurant, graffiti from the building's medicinal marijuana growing days, a modern apartment, and a small glimpse of what was once the Realart Theater. Read More

Tower Bells to Jail Cells: A Rare Look Inside Tacoma’s Old City Hall

Old City Hall is one of the most prominent structures in Tacoma, but for the last decade it’s been little more than a curious ornament on the city’s skyline. Read More

Snapshots of Mother’s Day in Tacoma History

Sorry to make your hanging basket and brunch date look bad, but the bar for great Mother's Day gifts in Tacoma was set pretty damn high decades ago. Read More

Long Time Tacoman, Bob Piatt, Remembers Tacoma of the 1940s

Tacoma has museums, photo archives at the library, and many websites dedicated to preserving its history. However, a truly invaluable way of learning about the history of a city you love is talking to someone who actually lived it. Read More

An Inside Look at Tacoma’s Historic Armory

On South 11th and Yakima sits a building where Prince Olav of Norway, President Taft, President Truman, President Wilson, and Orson Welles have all paid a visit. A building that holds over 100 years of monumental history, it once held home and garden exhibitions, boxing matches, car shows, and rock concerts. It was also home to the Washington State National Guard. Read More

The Clever Tacoma Mall Design You May Have Missed

Everything You Never Needed to Know About 4th of July in Tacoma History

Convictions and Consequences: Why We Broke Up With Our Printer

110 Years Later, You’ll Still Like Tacoma

Say Goodbye to the Star Lite

HARD COPY 4

YOU’LL HATE TACOMA STICKER

HARD COPY SUBSCRIPTION

HARD COPY 4: ALMA MATER PURCHASE

CRAWLRUS STICKER