Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle
Our Lakewood Historical Society, led by President Becky Huber, certainly enhances our quality of life in the City of Lakewood. Allow me to list just a few of those ways.
- Hosting public meetings at various locations throughout Lakewood. If you attend any of the Lakewood Historical Society meetings in the future you will be entertained, enlightened and inspired regarding Lakewood history as presented by a variety of knowledgeable guest speakers.
- Manages our cities’ small history museum located at 6211 Mt. Tacoma Drive SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499. Stop by our museum during visiting hours. Our museum is open Wednesday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. It is free too.
- Placement of historical markers throughout our city.
I for one, have a difficult time keeping up with all good works performed by our historical society.
Recently Lakewood Historical Society purchased and installed a historical marker for the oldest home in Lakewood. At the risk of being redundant, let me say that again, “The oldest home in Lakewood.” Because our lives are busy, it would be so easy to ignore this point of history. The home is known as the Boatman – Ainsworth House. The home is named after it’s first two owners. Although dating back to the 1850s, the home has only had six owners.
Most of us have been driving by this historically important property for decades, but had no way to realize the significance of this home in the trees. With my background in real estate sales and investments, the house always pulled for my attention. I did not know why. I have kept an eye on the home for over 45 years. Now I know.
The home and marker can be found in the 6000 block of 112th St SW across from Harry Lang Sports Stadium, which is next to the Clover Park High School campus complex.
According to information found on the Lakewood Historical Society website, the Boatman – Ainsworth is one of the first homes in Lakewood to be built as a framed structure, rather than using logs. Boatman – Ainsworth still stands as the oldest home in our city.
Local Realtor, Steve Soboda wrote an informative article that was published in the News Tribune including some nice inside photos (LINK TO STORY): http://stevesloboda.com/2011/11/19/lakewoodhouse/.
As you make a trip down 112th St SW, take a quick look. You will then know more about your city.
It breaks my heart to see the condition of this lovely old home. Craig and Margaret Gunter, the previous owners, restored and furnished it beautifully. I believe that when the Gunters purchased it, the home was in very poor shape (I think it was a rental unit). Now, sadly, the new owner isn’t taking care of the home – although the grass was mowed a few weeks ago – that was something of an improvement. Maybe that was done so that the marker could be seen.
What happened to the historical plaque/marker that was on the wall to the left of the front door?
Mark,
I do not know. I will forward to Becky Huber, President of Lakewood Historical Society. Perhaps she will know. Thanks for having a curious mind.
Joseph
Mark, There was a marker next to the door and if it is now missing then in all likelihood it has been stolen.
That’s awful. Thanks for your follow up. I’m an officer and often do my paperwork there in the driveway. Hopefully the patrol car there once in a while will keep the thieves out.
Hi, I am the new owner of this house. I have visited this house 3 times. I am truly excited about coming to live in Lakewood, but moving has been difficult. I never would have thought it would take over 3 years to get there. However, I also would never have expected the difficulties of owning a house and not living there right away. The costs of cleaning up things dumped in the driveway, stolen things and repairs and break ins not only are costly ,push my move back but are emotionally painful. I had hoped to make the house available for community events and be a exciting part of the town. I still hope that this is possible. But if the place on the front of the house has also been stolen I am beginning to believe the people interested in keeping this house a historical show case for all are far and few between. I have lost not only money on my efforts but also valuable historic family furniture. Please help keep this place safe until I get there by reporting any unusual activities to the police.
Thanks much,
Margie