Tag Archives: Java Jive

World Famous Bob’s Java Jive

Bob’s Famous Java Jive at 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA‎ 98409 is indeed a Tacoma landmark. It was constructed in 1927 and it was originally known as The Coffee Pot Restaurant. It has functioned as a drive through restaurant, a speakeasy during prohibition, a go go bar and a place for karaoke. Between talking to the bartender and online research, I learned a couple of things. At one point the Java Jive had two chimpanzees — Java and Jive. When it was a speakeasy the liquor and gambling was hidden away behind a secret door behind the men’s room urinal. But it was the secret room in the ladies room which had the illegal supplies for the mayor and other VIPs. The structure was built in the tideflats and then the sections were bolted together on the site. Two movies were filmed there: I Love You To Death with River Phoenix and Say Anything with John Cusack. Nirvana and The Ventures have both played here. And it is on the Tacoma Historic Register.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2977

 

House of Tomorrow

The Home of Tomorrow is also known as the House of Tomorrow and the Smyser House and is located at 4907 66th Ave. E., Puyallup, WA 98371.  The house was designed by Bert Smyser who is also known for designing the Tacoma landmark, Bob’s Java Jive. I became aware of the house when the Tacoma News Tribune ran an article on Mr. Smyser, mentioning this house and his other projects including a prototype of the Seattle Space Needle.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/03/25/2081358/where-were-you-in-62-likely-not.html#storylink=misearch

A photo of Bert Smyser can be found here http://search.tacomapubliclibrary.org/images/dt6n.asp?un=2&pg=1&krequest=Smyser&stemming=On&phonic=&fuzzy=&maxfiles=5000

The library also mentions that Mr. Smyser’s wife was a member of the Rubber Hat Club and sometimes modeled for them.

The all plywood, steamline moderne house was constructed in 1940 is under private ownership now, so I stayed on the side of the road to snap my photo. The site also fronts on Clark’s Creek. The house was listed for sale at one point and the listing can be found here http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4907-66th-Ave-E-Puyallup-WA-98371/49190659_zpid/.