HistoryLink Tours

Look farther south, past the Navy soccer field. East of the field, look at the main gate to Naval Station Everett. The gate is covered by an open-sided carport-type structure. This is the former location of Robinson Manufacturing, one of the larger operations on the Everett waterfront.

Thomas Robinson was born in Ireland and grew up in Philadelphia. He arrived in Everett via Tacoma. He began mill operations in 1891 at about 23rd and Norton. His mill was moved northward to the 21st Street location around 1900. In 1901, it was incorporated as Robinson Manufacturing Company. The manufacturing of doors was a main component of the facility. Plywood production here began in 1920. About 1948, the mill changed its name to Robinson Plywood, and later was a co-op owned by employees called Everett Plywood and Door. The mill closed in the mid-1970s.

Head north on the sidewalks and crossings between the businesses and parking, working yourself to the edge of the waterfront where there is wooden planking. Turn west on the wooden planked promenade walkway.