Celebrating One Hundred Years of Saltwater State Park

Camp Saltwater Company 935 CCC

In 1933 America was in the grip of the Great Depression with more than twenty-five percent

of the population unemployed. Many were hungry and homeless. Out of this economic chaos emerged the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Its purpose was to provide young single men employment and vocation training through conservation and development of our natural resources. The enrollees lived in quasi-military camps. Each enrollee received medical

care, clothing, and educational opportunities. The CCC enrollees were required to send $25.00 of their $30.00 monthly wage back home to their families. During 1934-35, CCC Company 935 was located at Saltwater Park. They improved the road into the park, built the stone entrance, and the park's headquarters consisting of a log house and work shop. Other improvements were trails, bridges, a beach fire ring and a rock chimney on the bluff.

Park’s Entrance Built by the CCC

Take a short walk on the plant interpretive trail and see the chimney built by the CCC. Trail starts at the cross walk near park's entrance on the bluff.

CITIZENS PURCHASE PARK FOR THE STATE

THE FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN WAS CO-SPONSORED BY THE SEATTLE STAR AND TACOMA TIMES AND THE YOUNG MEN’S BUSINESS CLUBS OF SEATTLE AND TACOMA 1925

During the celebration, a hatchet was buried by the mayors to symbolize the end of hostilities between the two cities. (Seattle Star April 24, 1926) Lt to rt: Mayor Fawcett of Tacoma; M. Wiley of Young Men’s Business Club and Mrs. B. Landes, Seattle mayor-elect. (Seattle Star April 26, 1926)

 Speakers, music and free barbecue with over 9,000 beef sandwiches served.

GRAND OPENING OF PARK NOW READY FOR VISITORS

August 20, 1933 “Five months ago this was practically a wilderness. We expended $17,000 here, putting in permanent improvements… We put unemployed men to work and thus gave aid to 560 families.”

The ceremony opened with the breaking of two bottles containing water from Elliot Bay and Commencement Bay. “This simple ceremony held in the newly improved picnic grove on the 175-foot bluff overlooking the Sound midway between Tacoma and Seattle, was followed by the firing of two bombs from the beach below.” The program closed with a beauty contest. Pictures and text: Tacoma Times August 21, 1933