John P. Kiggins

Who was John P. Kiggins?

John P. Kiggins was a movie theater magnate, and mayor of Vancouver, Washington.

Kiggins was born in Tennessee, but eventually moved to Vancouver, and with the exception of his service in the Army during the Spanish-American War, and a few years following that in Alaska, Kiggins made Vancouver his home until his death.

Kiggins was first elected as Mayor in 1909, and finished his final term in office in 1938. Numerous landmarks in Vancouver bear his name, most notably the athletic facilities at Leverich Park, which are known as Kiggins Bowl. Additionally, Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver was the final movie theater built by John P. Kiggins.