Bing Crosby Childhood Home
(homes)508 E. Sharp Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258
Website: Bing Crosby Childhood Home
Crosby was raised in the Gonzaga neighborhood and studied pre-law at Gonzaga University in the 1920s prior to leaving for Hollywood. His childhood home, located at the main entrance to Gonzaga University at Sharp Avenue and Addison Street, was designed by Bing's father and built by him and two of Bing's uncles.
When Bing was two years old, his family moved from Tacoma to Spokane. Bing's childhood home still stands at 508 E. Sharp Avenue, on the grounds of Gonzaga University's campus in Spokane.
The house served as the Crosby family's home for 23 years, including when Bing attended Gonzaga High School and Gonzaga University (1914-24). The C. P. Higgins family purchased the home from the Crosby family in 1936 for $3,600, and owned it until 1978. The Gonzaga Alumni Association purchased the house in 1980 and used it for alumni events with staff offices upstairs until 2010, when the Alumni Association moved to the Heutter Mansion across the street. The Crosby House is now used as office space for a couple of university departments.
Recently, the home celebrated its 100th anniversary in October of 2013 with an open house party for the public. Many of Bing's personal effects are displayed in this home, including his pipes. The building is open to the public on weekdays, and visits are free of charge.
--Annette Bochenek for Classic Movie Hub
(Read about Annette's Classic Movie Travels at Hometowns To Hollywood)