Washington Weirdness: Head-scratching historical photos from the state archives

We dug into the Washington State Historical Society collections — and emerged amused and a little confused (in a good way).

There's no denying that our state has a fascinating history. But some of the photos buried in the state archives raise more questions than they answer. We went looking for hidden gems and stumbled into a treasure trove of the bizarre, the delightful, and the downright confusing. A toddler with a beer bottle. A cold weather mask straight out of a horror movie. Soldiers lovingly feeding each other pie in a field.

So, with deep respect for the real history behind these images — and equal appreciation for how weird they look at first glance — we present a scrapbook of head-scratchers that made us laugh, gasp, and occasionally say, “...huh?”

Let's take a look!

Not a Moon Landing. Just Tacoma, 1939.

No, this isn't a still from a retro sci-fi film — though we'd absolutely watch it. This diver, sporting a full deep-sea suit and what appears to be a very heavy metal pumpkin on his head, was part of the crew building the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The photo, dated April 20, 1939, shows him prepping for a dive into Puget Sound while his colleagues casually hang out — one holding the helmet, two lighting up cigarettes, and another rocking a suspiciously stylish fedora. The diver's smirk says it all: "I'm about to sink like a stone and you're just vibing?"

Spa Day, 1937 Style

Welcome to Soap Lake, where the mud is medicinal, the lake is freezing, and fashion is optional. This snapshot from 1937 captures a group of young folks enjoying the mineral-rich shoreline in Grant County by coating themselves in nature's spa treatment — and by “enjoying” (we mean enduring) mud in places mud probably shouldn't go. A small dog on a leash looks on, clearly wondering what bad choices led him here. Meanwhile, fancy-dressed beachgoers stroll in the background, choosing to remain mud-free. (Respect.) Supposedly, drinking the lake water was also part of the healing ritual — and yes, that's mentioned in the message on the back. We'll take their word for it.

The Hills Have Skis

Behold: the 1942 cold weather face mask, designed to protect soldiers from frostbite — and apparently to ensure no one ever sleeps again. Sure, it was functional. But let's be honest: if you saw a squad of these guys skiing down Crystal Mountain, you'd assume it was the third act of a horror film. The grommets, the stitched-up mouth, the empty black eyeholes — lord help us all. We're told it was warm. We're also told it was not part of an elaborate bank heist.

If a Wet Dog Shows Up, Let Him In

This 1955 poster from the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society pulls zero punches: Be kind to animals, especially soggy, sad-eyed ones standing outside in a thunderstorm. The message is clear — if a dripping mutt knocks on your door, don't think twice. Let him in. The elderly man in his bathrobe gets it. The cat, on the other hand, is not thrilled about this development. But don't mind her — being mildly annoyed is sort of her whole deal.

Yes, That Apron Says "Genius at Work"

Long before social media required politicians to post barbecue selfies, PR teams were already out here staging grill-core photo ops like pros. In this shot from the late 1950s or early ’60s, Governor Albert Rosellini dons a paper chef's hat and a truly incredible cartoon apron while “cooking” a whole fish on the Capitol lawn. His wife Ethel and noted attorney Trena Worthington complete the scene, dressed more for a senate hearing than a salmon cookout. Is anyone actually grilling? Questionable. Is the message clear? Absolutely. Vote for the guy who can handle your government and your grill.

Rainier: The Choice of a New Generation

This early 1900s photo raises a lot of questions — mainly, what were we doing back then?! Captured somewhere in Washington around 1910, it shows a cherubic toddler casually sipping from a bottle of Rainier Beer like it's a juice box. Yes, really. The outfit says “nap time,” but the beverage says “long day at the lumber mill.” Was the bottle empty? A prop? Just a weird family joke? We may never know — but it's safe to say modern parenting standards have come a long way.

PHOTOS | Mudhoney rocks Rainier Beer's R-Day in Georgetown

The Original Dogfluencer

Sure, it's 1910 — but this woman and her very good boy are serving major pet mom energy. From the carefully coordinated outfits to the poised studio pose, everything about this photo says, “Yes, this is my favorite child, and no, I’m not sorry.” With her hands gently resting on his paw and a full bouquet of accessories pinned to her chest, she’s giving early Edwardian glam — and he’d absolutely be in her TikTok bio today. Times change, but one thing’s eternal: women have always loved showing off their dogs.

Live, Laugh, Leotard

Meet Oluf Melby: saloon co-owner by day, gymnastic icon by also day, apparently. This photo from around 1895 shows Melby mid-balance at Tacoma’s Normanna Turn Club, looking like he’s about to drop the hottest Victorian-era fitness routine of the decade. With his one-piece leotard, fringe sash, and boots made for strutting, Oluf is the full package: strength, style, and a mustache you could measure trust with. Cirque du Soleil wishes.

Brotherhood, but Make It Dessert

Forget tug-of-war or capture the flag — nothing says “team building” like a good ol’ fashioned pie-eating contest. Captured on Washington’s Birthday in 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, this snapshot of WWI-era soldiers shows one row of men with their hands tied behind their backs while their buddies — in full uniform, no less — lovingly shove pie into their faces. It’s messy, ridiculous, and kind of heartwarming. Because if your bros won’t hand-feed you pie in the mud, are they even your bros?

The Most Elegant Fisher in the Forest

We have so many questions. Why is this small child dressed like a Victorian porcelain doll? Why is she holding a fishing pole with the poise of a seasoned angler? And why does she already have a full catch beside her? Taken around 1905 near Lake Cushman, this photo gives fairytale-meets-outdoorsy-grandma energy in the best possible way. One thing’s for sure: she didn’t come to play — she came to fish (and serve looks while doing it).

Victorian Dog Mom Energy, Unmatched

Long before pet influencers and pup photo shoots, there was Dick — proudly perched on a chair in a solo studio portrait sometime between 1880 and 1902. His owner, Abbie Howard Hunt Stuart of Olympia, clearly pulled some strings to make this moment happen. In an era when photography was rare, expensive, and usually reserved for weddings or major life events, Abbie said: My dog. On a chair. Forever. And honestly? We respect it. Dick’s pose? Confident. His collar? Crisp. His attitude? Best in Show before that was even a thing.

Stay weird, Washington!

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