Having lived in the Steilacoom-Lakewood area for the past five years, I decided it was time to make a visit to the newly opened space and home of the Lakewood History Museum. On a cold, but sunny Saturday in November, that’s just what I did. The museum recently re-opened at its new location, inside of the former Terrace Restaurant, and lobby of the Lakewood Theater, in Colonial Plaza.
As I entered through the covered awning and glass chandeliered lobby, I was transported to a bygone era, waiting to be seated in either the dining room, coffee shop, or lounge of the Terrace Restaurant.
Lucky for me, I was greeted by the very enthusiastic Lakewood Historical Society Vice-President, and docent for the day, Ed Voie. As he showed me around, Ed took me for a walk down memory lane while recounting the days of his youth growing up in this very community. His own wedding reception was held years ago in the lower story banquet room of the restaurant.By all accounts, the Terrace Restaurant was the place to go. Left mostly as it looked in its former glory, I strolled into the different alcoves, which now hold displays and historic relics of Lakewood’s past. The sign still welcomes patrons, as well as a centrally located diner-style bar with original upholstered seating next to where a fry grill used to be. The early etched glass windows still partition the main dining room off to the right, where many of the museums exhibits are currently positioned.
In the late 1950’s, as a young boy Ed would cross what used to be an empty field (where the Best Western Hotel is now) and purchase a twenty-five cent theater ticket to view Jerry Lewis, and the Three Stooges on the big screen. He recounts watching the first Magnificent Seven film here, starring Steve McQueen. He remembers being really disappointed when the price went from twenty-five cents a ticket, to thirty-five cents.
The Lakewood Colonial Center was built in 1937 by Norton Clapp and the Lakewood Development Company. Along with the theater, it originally housed a grocery store, pharmacy, and dentist office, as well as several shops.
Though largely abandoned as a theater since the late 1970’s, I was fortunate to get an exclusive view of the inside. All the original furnishings, carpets, lights, and wallpaper remain, although in need of some restoration. Albeit, dark and quiet now, it’s not hard to imagine the lifetime of folks that flowed through its pillars and white wooden doors.
Although according to Ed, “the museum is a work in progress,” many interesting artifacts, maps, and photos are currently on display. An array of relics from the earliest school built north of the Columbia River, the Byrd School which opened in 1855, can be found here. A recreated interior homestead cabin is on view, as well as an early post office.
As a non-native to the area, I found the large early photos and maps fascinating. I had no idea there was a famed racetrack where Clover Park Technical College is today. The Tacoma Speedway was a two-mile long wooden track open between 1912-1922. What a spectacle it must have been!
The museum relies mostly on donations and funding through the City of Lakewood. There are several organized fundraisers throughout the year, annual meetings, a quarterly newsletter called the Prairie Gazette, free history programs, and a presence at local community events such as, the Farmer’s Market. They continue to explore ways to best utilize and encourage visitors to the new space.
It’s funny to think that Lakewood wasn’t incorporated until 1996, not all that long ago. What began as prairie situated among many lakes, later known as the Lakes District, would become more than just a Tacoma address in its own right, the City of Lakewood.
With so much local history right in our back yard, I cannot stress the importance of spending some time learning about it, or perhaps reminiscing about the past.
The Lakewood Historical Society always welcome new members.
Emily.MolinaWrites 