The Pagoda, Point Defiance Park - Tacoma, Washington
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Hikenutty
N 47° 18.357 W 122° 31.015
10T E 536516 N 5239277
This 1914 Pagoda is a replica of a 17th century Japanese Lodge and was originally used as a streetcar station. Today it can be rented for meetings, weddings or parties.
Waymark Code: WM1PR8
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 06/18/2007
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Ambrosia
Views: 185

From the sign:
The first streetcar stop in Point Defiance Park was built in the 1890's as a rustic shelter with benches. In those days most visitors to the park arrived by streetcar and the shelter stood in this approximate location near the Lodge and gardens, only a short walk to the beach. The many attractions of the park, including the octagonal pavilion on the waterfront,drew massive crowds that neccessitated adding a second track to the Point Defiance Line in 1903.

The Pagoda replaced the rustic shelter as the streetcar station in 1914. It was a spacious facility that met a variety of needs. Designed in an eclectic Japanese Temple or lodge style by the local architect Luther Twichell, this structure housed the waiting room for the streetcar riders as well as a modern first aid station and luxurious restrooms finished in marble. During the summer season restroom attendents handed out towels and kept everything spotless. After buses replaced streetcars in 1938, the Pagoda continued as the terminus for the routes that served Point Defiance Park.

The Capital District of Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs remodeled the building in 1963 for use by affiliate clubs for garden shows, demonstrations and meeting space. The Pagoda underwent a major restoration in 1988.

The station is located adjacent to the park's Japanese Garden overlooking the Puget Sound. It is now a rental facility for weddings and other events.

Marker Name: The Pagoda

Marker Type: City

Town name: Tacoma

Date marker was placed: 2005

Placer: Metro Parks Tacoma

Related website: [Web Link]

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