Jerry and JoAnn Bliss are selling their property adjacent to Elk plain Elementary School and the Bethel School District board is likely going to authorize the purchase Tuesday, April 9. Elk Plain Elementary is on a fairly small parcel and often 22nd Avenue is lined with cars on both sides of the street when there is an evening event taking place. Purchase of the property next door could alleviate this and allowing for some expansion of the school site.
Even more interesting is the history of the site. In 1917, a local landmark called “The Firs” was built there. It had a rustic look, constructed of Douglas Fir timbers. An entrance to the property still has the large timbers that supported the sign that said, The Firs. Many social events, dances and large parties took place on the site. In 1974, arson destroyed the building. (Janovich era) Many of the remaining timbers are still on the site, but were being cleared Monday.
The road to The Firs was closed in the mid 1990’s and the Bethel Station Post Office straddles the former road bed. You can read more about the history of Elk Plain, also known as Loveland in this story we posted in August 2012. https://pierceprairiepost.com/2012/09/06/elk-plain-a-k-a-loveland/
You can find the resolution for the district to purchase the property through this link.
Some photos of The Firs are on the image archives at the Tacoma Library.
Pierce Prairie Post 