Luna Park Amusement Park history
| From 1907 to 1913, a glittering jewel lit up the night along the northern tip of West Seattle. A person in downtown Seattle could look across Elliott Bay and see a myriad of lights dancing and playing across the waves. On a summer night, the air was very still, the faint scream and clatter of a roller coaster and whispers of calliope music could almost be heard. If such wondrous sights and sounds enticed, a short ferry ride was all it took to be magically transported to Luna Park, the Coney Island of the West. | |
 | Luna Park was built on the tide flats of the Duwamish Head, not far from where Seattle's first settlers landed in 1851. Construction began in 1906, headed by easterner Charles I. D. Looff. Pilings were driven deep into the tide flats to allow the park to be built our over the water. In this way Luna Park was very similar to Coney Island and many other amusement parks built in America at that time. |
| Rides and amusements crowded the pier. Among them were the Figure Eight Roller Coaster, a Merry-Go-Round, Chute the Chutes, the Water Slide, Cave of Mystery, and other fun park standards. The Canal of Venice, the Original Human Ostrich, the Joy Wheel, and the Infant Electrobator were some of the others. During hot summer days, swimmers could paddle and splash at the Salt Water Natatorium, which had both fresh and salt-water swimming pools. At night, the Dance Palace was a popular place for a young fellow to bring his gal and dance by the light of her eyes. |  |
 | In 1913, Luna Park closed, and its rides and amusements were sold or torn down. No more glittering light on Elliott Bay, no more strains of calliope music on summer nights. All that remained was the Natatorium, which drew swimmers for the next two decades. On April 14, 1931, an arsonist lit a match to it, and in one final conflagration, a flame brighter than all the lights of its glory days turned what little remained of Luna Park into only a memory. |
| Except for one thing. Approximately once a decade, the tides of Elliott Bay fall back to their lower levels. When they do, the tide flats are exposed and the rows of pilings that once supported Luna Park are brought to light, causing new generations and new residents of the Northwest to gaze and to ponder. Then the high tides return, and once again Luna Park fades into the past. |  |
The building that houses the Luna Park Cafe was originally built, right after World War II, as Klaas Tavern. The tavern was built on the grounds of a gas station that was run by Chris Boysen. Chris and his family ran the 3 Point grocery store next door where Avalon Glassworks is now. You can still see Boysen's name on the adjacent apartment building.
| The tavern went through various identities...the last one being the infamous "Pat & Ron's" tavern, which closed in 1988. The building was purchased by John Bennett that year, and after careful renovation the Luna Park Cafe opened it's doors on March 18th, 1989. |  |
 | Conceptually, the idea behind Luna is to serve delicious food and great milkshakes in a 1950's diner atmosphere, but over the years it has become a museum of sorts for all generations to enjoy. Some of the West Seattle signage that grace the walls of Luna are: The original Granada Theater sign,the original Admiral Fountain Cafe sign, a sign from the Luna Tavern, the Beach Drive Market sign and many more. |
| As you are seated, take a look at the 1958 Seeburg jukebox against the wall. You can walk right up to it and choose from 200 selections of music from the 30's through the 70's. Or, if you are seated at the counter or in a booth you can choose from the same songs remotely from one of the wall boxes. Either way, the songs will take you back in time and you can't help but tap your feet and sing along. |  |
 | In the tradition of the original Luna Park, we do have one amusement ride, the Batmobile, and other fun stuff such as Pepe the Dancing Clown, the clown vending machine,a temporary tattoo machine (don't forget to get your Luna Park temporary tattoo!), and the "band in a box" above the front door. |
In 2005, Luna went through a minor renovation and clean up, and added fries to the menu (something that a lot of people wanted).Luna serves large, hearty breakfasts all day. One of the few places in Seattle where you can eat a great breakfast for dinner. Stop by after work for a delicious burger and cold pint of beer(We sell growlers to go , so you can take you favorite microbrew home!). Don't forget to try one of our famous old fashioned milkshakes or malts. So come on down, bring the kids, and bring lots of quarters. We hope you have as great a time at Luna as we do.
This video was on KTCS Channel 9 about the Smart Cars that you see John and Heather drive around West Seattle:
http://www.kcts9.org/video/time-get-rid-gas-guzzler
For more information, visit the Log HouseMuseum. If you have Luna Park memorabilia that you would like to share with us, please contact John Bennett at (206) 933-1950 or email him at bennettproperties@comcast.net .