The Seattle Traveler

Meeker Mansion Shows Offs its Victorian Splendor

by Mary Jo on December 16th, 2006

Enjoy a Victorian Christmas in Puyallup at the historic Meeker Mansion.

Ezra Meeker, a northwest pioneer came west on the Oregon Trail, and eventually founded the city of Puyallup, built the Mansion in 1890. 

Meeker was a big champion of the Oregon Trail, making many trips over the course of his lifetime.  In 1906, at the age of 76, he went by wagon from his front yard in Puyallup to Washington DC as a way of re-marking and preserving the Oregon Trail.  Before his death at the age of 98, Meeker had made additional journeys on the Oregon Trail — another by ox team, a trip by automobile in 1915, and also by airplane in 1924.  The fact that you can retrace the trail today is due almost entirely to Ezra Meeker.

Holiday tours of the Italianate Victorian Mansion highlight its 17 rooms, ballroom, “widows walk,” six fireplaces with European mantels, hand-stenciled ceiling artwork, elegant woodwork and stained glass.  Hot-spiced cider and cookies are served, and Santa Photos are available.

The Mansion was originally built for Mrs. Meeker when both were around 60 years old.  The Meeker’s lived in the home for 20 years, until Mrs. Meeker died in 1909.  After her death, Meeker walked away from the house, never to return.  It was eventually sold and used as a hospital for a short time.  It then stood empty for several years, and next was used as a retirement home for Civil War Widows.  From 1948-70 it was used as a nursing home, until the building (but not the land) was donated to the Meeker Historical Society. 

The Historical Society immediately began restoration, which continues even today.  Although the building was saved, it has changed in many ways.  Much has been painted over, and additions to the original house have been removed.  The Historical Society has as its objective the goal to return the home to its condition in 1891.  The Meeker Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Location:  312 Spring Street, Puyallup

Hours:  10 am-4 pm daily.  The mansion closed for the season on December 22nd, and reopens on March 1st, 2007.

Admission:  $5 adults, $4 seniors and students, $3 children.

Photo credit:  Meeker Mansion Historical Society

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POSTED IN: Museums