Historic Markers

The Lakewood Historical Society has researched a number of historic sites in the Lakewood area. The Society has placed plaques and markers on several landmarks of significant historical interest. More sites will be designated and marked as time, research and funds allow.

Markers placed to date include:

• Visitation Villa Catholic School: the school opened in 1923 and operated until 1954. The marker is placed near the right entry door to the Safeway Store in the Lakewood Towne Center.
• Bradley Block House: built in the 1840’s as a “safe house” during the Indian Wars
• Flett House: built in 1889 (same site as above) The marker is placed at the Union 76 Station at Custer Road and Bridgeport Way.
• Patient Cemetery for Western State Hospital: on Steilacoom Blvd. Marker placed inside the fence to cemetery at Ft Steilacoom Park across the street from the hospital.
• Mueller – Harkins Hanger & Airport: land was acquired in 1922 when the Tacoma Speedway closed; the airport opened in 1924; the Hanger was built in 1929 and still exists on the grounds of the current Clover Park Vocational College (currently used for classes and storage) Marker placed on west entrance to the Hangar, Building 5.
• Tacoma Speedway: located on the grounds of the current Clover Park Technical College, the Speedway opened in 1912 and operated until 1922. The marker is on the grounds of the College near Building 2.

Markers under consideration:

• Heath Farm: Established in 1844 on the grounds that later became Fort Steilacoom in 1859 and then Western State Hospital in 1872
• Bryd Sawmill and Grist Mill: built by Andrew Byrd near the head of Chambers Creek following the land claim granted in 1853; operated many years (well documented in historical records)
• Bryd School: built in 1855 on Gravelly Lake Drive, moved in 1855 to Steilacoom Blvd and Lakewood Drive, where it burned in 1885
• Park Lodge School: built in 1912 on the site of the first Bryd School

Other historic Lakewood properties and buildings that stand as reminders of the area’s early history:

• Fort Steilacoom Officers Quarters (4 structures): built in 1859 on grounds of Western State Hospital; structures were renovated and preserved in 1970s as historically accurate as possible. Site is on the National and State Historic Registries
• Boatman Ainsworth House on 112th Street built in 1858. This home is listed on the National, State and City Historical Registries.
• Tacoma Country and Golf Club: established 1894; oldest operating Golf Club west of the Mississippi River
• Lakewood Colonial Center: first part built in 1937 by Norton Clapp and associates; first “Shopping Mall” in the Pacific Northwest; rest of building completed in 1951
•  Lakewood Theatre: built in 1937 as part of the Lakewood Colonial Center
• Thornewood Manor, Carriage House and Gate House: built 1909-1911, now a bed and breakfast inn
• Madera Estate: original home was built in 1920
• Rhodesleigh Estate: originally built by 1921 by Henry Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Brothers Department Store , listed on the National and State Registries
• Lakewold Gardens:

• Little Church on the Prairie: built in 1920 as a grocery store; converted into a church in 1938
• Custer School: first school built in 1891, the second school-“Little Red School House” built in 1932 is on National, State Registries
• Other early schools: Lakeview (1890), and Lake City (1907) and American Lake South (1910)
• Other early pioneer cemeteries: two pioneer cemeteries on Washington Blvd./Military Road; Jewish Cemetery at Lakeview Blvd. & Steilacoom Blvd. and the old section in Mountain View Cemetery