Not all our exhibits are in the museum.
Since 2002, LHS has placed eight historical markers around Lakewood. Four more are in the works.
Keep checking back. Every few days we'll add, in chronological order based on when they were dedicated, another marker--until all eight are accounted for.
1. VISITATION VILLA. Attached to the front wall (facing the parking lot) of the Safeway in Lakewood Towne Center, just to the left of its southern entrance; dedicated by LTG William Harrison, June 18, 2002.
The plaque includes an aerial photo of Visitation Villa with its dates (1923-1956), and reads as follows:
ON THIS SITE STOOD VISITATION VILLA
A Catholic girls school began shortly after the Sisters moved in on August 15, 1923 and operated until 1954. In May of 1956, construction began on the Villa Plaza Shopping Center which opened in 1957. The Visitation Villa building site is in the central southern core of this building and extended into the loading area and street.
Marker donated by MBK Northwest and Safeway, 2002.
2. BRADLEY BLOCKHOUSE & FLETT HOUSE. Attached to free-standing boulder at the corner of Custer Road and Bridgeport Way; dedicated by LTG William Harrison, April 15, 2003.
The plaque includes an historic photo of Bradley Blockhouse and reads as follows:
ON THIS SITE STOOD BRADLEY BLOCKHOUSE AND FLETT HOUSE
The Bradley Blockhouse stood on this site in the 1840's. It began as a log barn, but during the Indian Wars of 1855 and 1856, it was used as a blockhouse for the protection of the settlers in the area. In 1889, the Flett Family House was built over the site of the old barn. In the 1950's, the house was moved about 300 feet north to another lot to make room for a gas station.
Marker donated by The Lakewood Rotary and LHS, 2002
3. WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL HISTORICAL CEMETERY. Embedded in a rock pyramid standing in Fort Steilacoom Park, just north of the off-leash dog park and just east of the Waughop Lake parking lot.
The plaque features an early photograph of Western State Hospital and reads as follows:
ON THIS SITE STANDS WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL HISTORICAL CEMETERY • 1876-1953
Over 3,200 psychiatric patients from Western State Hospital were buried here from 1876 to 1953. Since then, burial has been elsewhere. The graves are marked with numbers for privacy reasons and the stigma of mental illness. These people worked on the award winning hospital farm and in other hospital areas and called the hospital "home." They were mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, children and many were veterans.
May they rest in peace, with dignity and respect.
Dedicated to their memory by The Graves Concerns Association September 2003.
Sponsored by Pierce County Parks and Recreation, The Lakewood Historical Society, and The State of Washington.
If the placement of markers like these to spread knowledge and encourage appreciation of our local history strikes you as a worthy activity, please show your support by joining us. Visit the museum at 6211 Mt. Tacoma Drive SW in Lakewood Colonial Center during our hours of noon to 4 pm, Weds-Sat, or call us at (253) 682-3480. Thank you!
The next in the series can be seen here.
