Symphonic Eugene Linden
by Erica Yadao The city of Tacoma is known for its beautiful and diverse culture. Many people from around the world have traveled to Tacoma, Washington, to create art. Have you ever wanted to start afresh and make your mark away from home? Uncertain of his accomplishment, Eugene Linden arrived in Tacoma and achieved what he hoped: becoming a conductor of his orchestra. Before I … Continue reading Symphonic Eugene Linden
The Ring from Gunderson’s
–by Kim Davenport I spread the fingers of my left hand on the table and looked at the ring on my finger. The bright blue sapphire twinkled back up at me, as it seemed capable of doing in any light. As had become a habit, I folded my left hand into my right, took the ring between the thumb and index finger of my right … Continue reading The Ring from Gunderson’s
Diane Schuur: Jazz Great with Tacoma Roots
–by Julia Castanier Before American contemporary jazz artist Diane Schuur was known for her versatility in musical style and a powerful, perfectly pitched three-and-a-half octave vocal range, she was an ambitious girl from Tacoma. Born in the “City of Destiny” in 1953, the odds were stacked against her from day one. Schuur arrived two months premature with a related retinal condition in both eyes. The … Continue reading Diane Schuur: Jazz Great with Tacoma Roots
How I Became a Volunteer at Camp 6
by Ed Mattison Everyone has a story of how they became involved the first time at a museum or historical society. I’ve been involved in several organizations over the years. The very first one was the Camp 6 Logging Museum in Point Defiance Park and here is the story of how I became a volunteer at the first museum I worked at. I was in … Continue reading How I Became a Volunteer at Camp 6
The Crescent Ballroom
–by Elizabeth Franklin If you were to walk by this pair of buildings today, I would bet that you’d have no idea what incredible history has taken place right there. A short time ago, I too certainly would have never known that this spot, just up the hill from my college campus, once hosted an incredibly vast selection of concerts and Tacoma history. These buildings … Continue reading The Crescent Ballroom
Girl Trouble: A Melting Pot of Music
— by Olivia Thompson Have you discovered the unique band Girl Trouble yet? From the time they formed in 1983, they have been producing some of the most radical and interesting music. Described as a mixture of garage, grunge, rock, and surf, the members of the band take elements of many types of music and combine them into songs that make you want to rock … Continue reading Girl Trouble: A Melting Pot of Music
Stadium Bowl: from Bands to Disney Stardom
–by Henry Nguyen Tacoma is known for its rich history and that is reflected through the historical buildings that can be found still standing today. Taking a stroll through the Stadium district there is a sense of the old world that can’t be found anywhere else in Tacoma. At the center of the Stadium district, you’ll find an iconic landmark that overlooks Commencement Bay. You … Continue reading Stadium Bowl: from Bands to Disney Stardom
The Bald Headed Rail Fan at Camp 6
by Ed Mattison This story takes place on a dry summer day, yes they do happen. I arrived early to learn about getting the train running for the day. Vance was getting ready to move the Shay out of the engine house when I pedaled in on my bike. I was in good shape back then and often took the bike to places around town. … Continue reading The Bald Headed Rail Fan at Camp 6
The Almost Great Train Robbery at Camp 6
By Ed Mattison One of the things I discovered at Camp 6 is that railroaders love to tell stories. The difference between fishermen and railroaders is that most of their stories are true. And yes I did say most. This is a story I was told by Larry our fireman. This happened before I started and it is a true story. The morning in question … Continue reading The Almost Great Train Robbery at Camp 6
A 1914 Nightmare
By Russell Holter (THS member and author) Reprinted with permission. Originally published by Holter, Russell H. “A 1914 Nightmare.” Tall Timbers Short Lines, Number 59, April 1999; Pacific Coast Logging Historical and Technical Society, Tacoma, WA. The day was typical of a summer Friday. Children played in the streets as the men of the Bismarck Lumber Mill toiled hard in the sweat and sawdust filled … Continue reading A 1914 Nightmare
Tales of Tacoma 