Idyllic Island Living in the Pacific Northwest

Tanglewood Island in the Puget Sound of Washington State is located near the picturesque town of Gig Harbor, just a short distance from the Seattle/Tacoma area. This is a unique opportunity to own one of four private residences located on the island.

Tanglewood is accessible by private boat - an easy 3 minute commute. This historic waterfront home is situated on 3.2 acres and includes 25% ownership in community properties which include a lodge and swimming pool. Built in 1904, the residence has been completely remodelled - keeping its historic charm, yet enhanced by the addition of modern conveniences. With breathtaking views of the sound, this serene and quiet setting makes a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

History of Tanglewood Island

Tanglewood Island was initially mentioned in the first authentic survey of Puget Sound in 1791. Lt Charles Wilkes spoke of it in a narrative of 1845.

In 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad L. Hoska and a party of fellow Tacomans spent the day cruising the waters of Puget Sound, stopping at Sylvan on Fox Island to eat lunch. Mrs. Hoska glanced at the little island that looked like a "big green bouquet" set in sparkling water. If I had a million dollars, I would buy that little island and have it for my own small Kingdom, she dreamed out loud. She forgot the remark as soon as it was spoken. A few days later, Mr. Hoska entered his home on North D. Street in Tacoma and smilingly remarked, "Well, my dear, I don't think you will have to wait for the million to get that island."

"What island?" asked Mrs. Hoska. Astonished, she listened as her husband told her he had bought the inviting little principality for her to rule over in undisputed sovereignty. With the feeling of being a Robinson Crusoe family, the couple ventured into the thicket that came close to the water's edge and peeped cautiously into the entangled woods. They went to work and the wild spot became a home in a beautiful playground. Hoska cleared 13 acres and a house was built. The couple had two children, a boy and a girl, who grew up in the fascinating world of nature. The Hoska children learned the lore of the wind and the waves. They spent carefree hours fishing and searching for the wild things that make their homes in secret places.

Soon there was a young apple orchard, and in the spring, the faint pink of the tree blossoms would show delicately against the green background of Fox Island. Big red apples tugged at the branches in autumn. The little kingdom became thoroughly incorporated in the social history of the Tacoma area. Friends from miles around came to enjoy the Hoska friendship and hospitality.

But what to name the island? The family mulled the question over in their minds. Fox Island dwellers had called it Ellen's Isle, but Mrs. Hoska wasn't entirely content with that name. Then one day, "Tanglewood Tales", a children's book of the Greek myths by Nathaniel Hawthorne, held sway over the Hoska boy and girl. As they struggled through the island undergrowth, someone remarked, "Why, this is a regular Tanglewood". The name problem was instantly solved.

The subsequent owner of Tanglewood Island was Dr. A. L. Schultz, a well-known Tacoma physician. He was born in Nebraska in 1896, the year the Hoskas bought the small island from the government. The athletically minded boy taught physical education classes, working his way through medical school at the University of Michigan. He pitched in the American League in 1922 and 1923 and did relief hurling for the famous Tris Speaker with the Cleveland Indians. The young man decided against a professional baseball career. He finished medical school and kept his keen interest in healthbuilding activities for youngsters.

In 1927, the doctor came to Tacoma. He saw Tanglewood and in 1933 he approached Hoska's widow on the possibility of selling the island. "What are you going to do with it?" was Mrs. Hoska's first question. "We'd like to use it for our youngster", Dr Schultz answered, "and eventually turn it over to a boy's camp".

"Well, if you're going to use it that way, you can have it at your own terms", she said. The deal was closed.

In 1944, the doctor developed the camp TA-HA-DO-WA, for boys 9-16 years of age. It has been said that (entertainer) Bing Crosby's boys attended the camp! The camp included the main lodge and nine small cabins which still exist today although no longer under operation.