Long Beach began when Henry Harrison Tinker bought a land claim from Charles E. Reed in 1880. He platted the town and called it "Tinkerville." Long Beach was officially incorporated on Jan 18, 1922. From 1889 to 1930, a narrow gauge railroad called the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company ran up the whole peninsula.

The Long Beach depot was built between First and Second Streets on the east side of the track, which ran north along "B" Street. A major destination in Long Beach was Tinker's Hotel, later renamed the Long Beach Hotel, and built very close to the station. This was the second hotel built at the site by Henry Harrison Tinker, the founder of Long Beach. Tinker's first hotel burned down in 1894. He built another one just a few feet to the east and south of the rail depot. Just across the tracks (which doubled in this area) from Tinker's Hotel in Long Beach was the Portland Hotel. The Portland Hotel, owned by the Hanniman family was unique for the area, in that it featured an enormous round turret-like structure. The Portland Hotel burned down on December 6, 1914, and was not replaced. The Driftwood Hotel was another common Long Beach destination.

Tinker House History

Tinker built the Tinker House in the 1890's and over the years it fell into disrepair. In 1992 it was moved to its current location, put on a foundation over five feet in height, and expanded. It has been run as a bed and breakfast and vacation rental for over 20 years. We are still researching the house and will add more to this site as we learn more. Please contact stay@bloomerestates.com if you have information to share.