Statue of Tacoma's First and Best Promoter
art,statue
The Illinois school teacher and chicken farmer come to Tacoma in 1883 with $ 2.40 in his pocket. He soon became a champion for Tacoma. Reportedly in a matter of months he was on the path to becoming Tacoma’s first millionaire.
Mason bought cheap woodland on the north edge of town and divided it into house lots. He borrowed money to construct bridges and build streetcar lines, then gave Tacoma some unbuildable land for what is now called Puget Park.
More than a local developer, Mason viewed the U.S. as his “big market”. If they had a reason, they would come to Tacoma….and buy his lots and houses. Mason drafted over 100 slogans that praised the city. He organized his slogans as radiant rays in the shape of a star. He called it Tacoma's "Star of Destiny" and printed full-page newspaper ads in far-flung cities like Cincinnati and New York.
Mason's Star of Destiny is reproduced on the sidewalk in front of his statue. Behind the star stands the bronze Mason - Tacoma’s first and possibly best Super Salesman.
Category: Y Yodio Experiences
Located in 3798 N. 26th St., Tacoma, WA
Tracks:
- Yodio Track 1