20/12/2024
One of the best 1920's photographs I have ever come across. This one is from 1924 and shows a view from Larrabee State Park and was captured by Darius Kinsey.
First opened as Chuckanut State Park in 1915, this park has the distinction of being the first ever State Park in the Evergreen State. It's name would be changed to honor Charles Larrabee, a wealthy and influential Bellingham area businessman, in February of 1923. Charles passed away in 1914 after having discussions with Washington State Governor Ernest Lister to create a State Park on part of Chuckanut Drive on some of the land that Charles owned. Following his death, Charles' widow, Frances Larrabee, ensured that the deal went through.
The Park didn't offer much in the way of amenities for its first two decades, with the option of camping not even appearing until the late 1930's.
Photograph via the Washington State Historical Society Collections, (1993.23.10)