A vacation destination

Published 10:02 am Friday, July 31, 2009

In the late 19th century, a burgeoning ferry system made day getaways a popular form of recreation for Seattleites, and the eastern shore of Lake Washington became home to numerous resorts.

By 1906 Wildwood Park, located on Meydenbauer Bay, was a summer hot spot with bands and festivals. Its annual July celebration, “The Big Basket,” provided exciting competitions such as the “Ladies’ Nail Driving” contest and offered prizes like five pounds of butter to the largest family all in attendance and a slab of bacon for the couple with the longest marriage.

The parties ended as the ferry service declined, and the old dance floor, once lit after dark by generators from the ferries, was used as a boxing ring and skating rink.

Heritage Corner is a weekly feature in the Bellevue Reporter. Material is provided by the Eastside Heritage Center. For more information call 425.450.1049.