One of the Tillamook County Historical Society’s continuing projects, spanning more than 40 years, has been identifying and recognizing historic buildings throughout Tillamook County with commemorative signage. We’d like to highlight some of the historic buildings that have received these signs, beginning with the Tierra Del Mar Community Hall that we visited in 2025.

The building was originally part of the Coatesville housing development in Tillamook and is approximately 80 years old. Its history is documented in a 1944 photograph of the community held by the Tillamook County Air Museum. The housing was constructed during World War II to accommodate military officers and their families. The community took its name from the Coates Lumber Company, which supplied the lumber used to build the homes.

So, how did one of these buildings end up as a community hall in Tierra Del Mar?

According to Diana Sears in her book Tales of Tierra Del Mar, as the Community Club continued to grow, meeting in private homes was no longer practical. In 1952, Mildred Waterbury donated three lots for the construction of a community hall. Around the same time, former naval officer housing located across from Tillamook Hospital became available for purchase.

Adolph Lindber, Jack Munstedt, and Bill Sears arranged for Mr. Krake of Tillamook to dismantle one of the structures and rebuild it on Bilyeu Avenue in Tierra Del Mar. The building was reconstructed with oak flooring, and community members contributed their time and skills to complete the hall. Clyde Crichton crafted the cabinetry.

More than 70 years later, the building continues to serve the community. Today, the Tierra Del Mar Community Hall is still used by association members for quarterly meetings, community gatherings, and other functions—a fitting continuation of the building’s history as a place where neighbors come together.