This article was originally posted by Metro Parks Tacoma and is being reshared with their permission. The original article can be viewed here.
Metro Parks Tacoma
The lighthouse at Browns Point has been a maritime landmark for nearly 100 years, providing a point of reference for countless ships as they make the final turn into Commencement Bay and the Port of Tacoma. For the last 20 years, it’s also been the favorite lunchtime destination of TOTE Maritime Alaska employee Andrew “AJ” Zent. Zent started working for TOTE Maritime Alaska in 2005 and quickly realized Browns Point Lighthouse Park was just a short distance from his office at the port.
“Especially on a beautiful day, when it’s so close to work, it’s a great place to come and spend lunch,” he said. “I’ve brought my family, friends and co-workers out here too.” For a hobby photographer, it’s also a fantastic place to take pictures of wildlife, sunsets and the ships that pass by on their way to and from the port. “We get these gorgeous pictures of our vessels circulating around the office all the time,” said Chris Rye, the vice president of sales for TOTE. “I didn’t know where they were coming from!” In the many years that Zent has been visiting the park for lunch, he’s seen it undergo a number of transformations and improvements. One of the most dramatic was completed in 2021 with an extensive restoration of the lighthouse to its former 1933 art-deco glory. The efforts were led by the Points Northeast Historical Society, a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers with a mission of preserving and promoting the history and heritage of Browns Point, Dash Point and Northeast Tacoma. “I love that there are people who still care to maintain this place,” said Zent. “I know how much work goes into it and it’s amazing to see everything being maintained and kept for future generations. It’s important.” So important that when the opportunity arose, Zent nominated the society and its mission for a monetary grant from TOTE Maritime Alaska’s community giving committee. “It was no-brainer,” Rye explained about reviewing Zent’s nomination. “The Points Northeast Historical Society embodies our values, and we love having the opportunity to connect and support the programs that are important to our employees.”
TOTE Maritime invests 1 percent of its annual earnings into the communities where its employees and clients live and work, emphasizing nonprofits that focus on community improvement, environment, health and wellness and public safety. TOTE and the other Saltchuk Family of Companies give an average of $4.5 million each year in the communities they serve across Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Jim Harnish, vice president of the Points Northeast Historical Society, says the Board of Directors will determine how the grant money is allocated but one of their big upcoming projects is restoring the original real estate office located on the grounds. “We found the original building in somebody’s back yard where it was being used as a garden shed,” Harnish said. “When we restore something it’s got to look exact. We’re very persnickety and spend a lot of time going over the old plans and blueprints.” Once the building is complete Harnish said the plan is to use it to house an exhibit about the history and development of the land, with a focus on the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Medicine Creek Treaty signed in the late 1880’s. “We are blessed by our skilled and dedicated volunteers,” Harnish said when asked about the tasks of restoration and day to day operations. He encourages anyone with an interest to reach out. There are opportunities for one-time projects, regular community service or longer-term commitments serving on committees. More information is available on the Points Northeast website, pointsnortheast.org.