Snoqualmie Valley History-Maloney's Grove: The Beloved North Bend Resort That Captivated the World

~Guest Post by Kaitlyn Murray, Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum staff member

In 1907, an innovative tourist attraction opened in the town of North Bend, attracting many visitors and creating annual traditions for many local families.

This attraction was Maloney’s Grove, where visitors could vacation in cabins amongst the beautiful nature of the Snoqualmie Valley and enjoy a variety of recreation options.

Both local residents and people visiting from afar came to enjoy the resort and all it had to offer. Maloney advertised his resort by gifting visitors small wooden “Maloney’s Grove” signs. One local recounted spotting a Maloney’s Grove sign in a person’s front yard in Ohio! His advertising was quite effective. The resort became known worldwide, with visitors signing the 1922 guest book from France, South Africa, and Russia.

*Maloney’s Grove advertisement featuring photographs of amenities. C 1915 – 1930. SVHM Photograph Collection PO.531.0005*

Compared to the large-scale tourist attractions of today, Maloney’s Grove may not have seemed like much. Yet, in the early 1900s, Maloney’s Grove provided vacationers with cutting-edge amenities and entertainment options.

*Maloney’s Grove merry-go-round. C 1920 – 1935. SVHM Photograph Collection PO.989.0001*

Visitors could engage in outdoor recreation such as fishing, horseback riding, and swimming in the river. Sporting options such as tennis courts were also available. Children were amazed by the playground, rope, and cable swings. The most unique item featured at Maloney’s Grove was the self-propelled merry-go-round, patented by Peter Maloney.

The dance hall entertained visitors day and night with laughter, dancing, and music. When the day was nearing its end, visitors retreated to their cabins, which were comfortably furnished. The eighteen-acre resort included twenty-three vacation cabins for visitors. Maloney utilized his carpentry skills to design and build the warm and inviting cabins that popularized Maloney’s Grove.

*Dancing at Maloney’s Grove. August 11^th, 1920. SVHM Photograph Collection PO.604.0500*

Peter Maloney was born in Ontario, Canada and moved to Seattle in 1888. As a carpenter by trade, he found plenty of work rebuilding the city after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. He soon moved to Snoqualmie and found work building a railroad depot, schoolhouse, church, and other buildings. He operated a saloon in Snoqualmie and North Bend and later built a successful livery business.

Maloney family gathered outside of a cabin at Maloney’s Grove. c 1912. Pictured Left to Right: Ann Donlan, Peter Maloney, Peter Maloney Sr, Harry Maloney, Annie Maloney, Mary O’Conner and her baby. SVHM Photograph Collection PO.200.0019

With great foresight, following the advent of automobiles, Maloney transitioned his focus from the livery business to an automobile camp resort. At the time, many people saw his idea of an automobile camp as a foolish investment. The time and effort Maloney put into the resort paid off in the long run as a great success. Maloney’s Grove became known by its adoring visitors as the greatest camping resort in the Pacific Northwest.

*Advertisements for Maloney’s Grove featuring photographs of amenities. SVHM Photograph Collection PO.308.0180 & PO.114.0033*

Although Maloney’s Grove ceased operation in 1939, the cherished memories that were made at the resort live on through the stories told by visitors. Today, Maloney’s Grove Avenue is located where the resort once stood, memorializing the resort that brought fun and relaxation into the lives of its visitors.

[Featured Image: Peter Maloney standing by the front entrance of Maloney’s Grove. c 1913 – 1920. Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum Photograph Collection PO.114.0034]