Not all our exhibits are in the museum (Part II)
More historical markers placed around our city by LHS.
Since 2002, the Lakewood Historical Society has placed eight plaques commemorating historic landmarks around the city, and four more are in the works. We present here the currently installed markers in chronological order, based on when they were dedicated.
If you came in late, here are the stories behind the first three markers installed by your Historical Society.
4. The Tacoma Speedway Embedded in a boulder near the buildings of Clover Park Vocational College's automotive program, in the southeast corner of the campus. The plaque reads as follows:
ON THIS SITE STOOD THE TACOMA SPEEDWAY.
In July of 1912 the Tacoma Speedway held its first race. The top names in racing drove here -- Oldfield, Rickenbacker, Tetzlaff, DePalma, Cooper and others. The first track was five miles of dirt road that ran on Steilacoom Boulevard to Gravelly Lake Drive to 111th Street to Lakeview Avenue and back to Steilacoom Boulevard.
In 1913 the track was reduced to 3 1/2 miles and went up 100th Street instead of 111th. By 1915, the track was reduced to a 2 mile oval built of two-by-four lumber laid on edge with 18 foot high banks on the curves.
A fire in 1920 razed the grandstand which was replaced at a cost of $100,000. The 1922 race was the best, but with the cost of the grandstand and reduced gate receipts and the highest purse yet, the Tacoma Speedway Association failed. The track was sold in 1922 and became the Mueller-Harkins Airport.
Marker Donated By: Lakewood Historical Society 2002
5. The Mueller-Harkins Airport Hangar. Attached to wall of Building 5, home to Clover Park Tech College's roofing program, to right of front entry. Located in northeast corner of campus. The plaque reads as follows:
ON THIS SITE STANDS THE MUELLER-HARKINS AIRPORT HANGAR
In 1922 Rudy A. Mueller and Leo H. Harkins acquired the Tacoma Speedway [see above] and built an airport for Tacoma. The first airmail service arrived here in April of 1926. In 1927 this field was to become the Tacoma Municipal Airport. In 1929 this building, at a cost of $10,000, became the Airport Administration Building. During the 1930's and 1940's pilot training (Washington Air College), national air races and many air shows were held here.
In 1944 the government filed condemnation proceedings against the airport and it became federal property. An Advanced Navy Base was built, but the old hangar was spared. In 1949 the property was declared surplus and acquired by the Clover Park School District and later became Clover Park Technical College. This hangar is one of only a few in the nation to remain intact at its original location.
Marker donated by: Lakewood Historical Society 2002
6. The Byrd School. A free-standing marker, placed at the corner of 88th St. Ct. SW and Old Byrd School Ave. SW. in Lakewood. The plaque reads as follows:
ON THIS SITE STOOD THE BYRD SCHOOL
In 1855, the first school building north of the Columbia River was built at the current site of Park Lodge School on an acre donated by A. C. Knecht. Lumber from the Byrd Lumber Mill at Lake Steilacoom was used to construct the 20 X 30-foot, one room schoolhouse. The school drew children from the Lakewood area and as far as Spanaway and Fern Hill. The Byrd School was moved in 1856 to a more central site on land donated by W. P. Dougherty. The one-acre site was on the southwest corner of his land claim, property later known as the Flett Dairy. The shool was rebuilt in 1861 and remained in use until 1885 when it burned to the ground. Except for a few reunions, the site remained undisturbed until October 20, 1999 when it was rediscovered by members of the Lakewood Historical Society. In 2008, the site was excavated by LHS members. Many recovered relics were put on display in the Lakewood History Museum.
Marker donated by: Lakewood Project, LLC. 12/2009
7. Lakewold Gardens. Click for more information on this marker.
8. The Oakes Pavilion and Lakewood Ice Arena. Located just inside the Steilacoom Blvd entrance to the Waters Edge Condos near the bridge across Chambers Creek. The plaque reads as follows:
This property was first claimed by Andrew F. Byrd in 1853. The claim was surveyed in September of 1868 by Ezra Meeker and totaled 159 acres. In June of 1923, the Oakes Pavilion opened for boating, bathing, picnics on the grounds and dancing on Sunday afternoons and evenings. In 1924, the Olympic swimming trials were held at the Oakes which included Johnny Weissmuller.
Duke Ellington and Tommy Dorsey were some of the notable bands and celebrities that played in the Oakes Pavilion. In 1936, the Oakes was sold to Lakewood Development Corp. (Norton Clapp). By September 22, 1938, the Oakes was converted into an ice arena for Mrs. Clapp. In 1938 the Lakewood Ice Rink opened to the public. From then on state championships in ice skating, hockey leagues and figure skating were the main activities.
On April 18, 1940 the water stadium was demolished. On October 10, 1948, the Lakewood Figure Skating Club bought the arena. In June of 1955, eight performances of The Ice Capers had 175 participants in the show. The roof collapsed in October of 1982, and the building was soon demolished to build lake front condominiums.
If the placement of historical markers like these, spreading knowledge and encouraging appreciation of our local heritage, 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!
