Meeker Mansion
If you’re looking a piece of history rich in both culture and design, look no further than Puyallup’s Meeker Mansion. Whether you’re looking for a way to explore Puyallup’s history or have visitors in town and want to show off our community, the Meeker Mansion is a great place to visit. Let’s take a look at the beginnings of this Washington landmark and explore the intricate details of this beautifully designed home.
The Original Owners
Born near Huntsville, Ohio, Ezra Meeker played an integral role in the expansion and development of the far Pacific. Known more notably for his involvement in Congress and in the making of the Old Oregon Trail, Ezra lived close to a century accomplishing more than most could ever dream of.
In 1851, Ezra married Eliza Sumner and together with their son, Marion, they began their journey through the westward trek to Portland, Oregon, more famously known to many as the Oregon Trail. After five exhausting months, their family settled in Kalama and eventually settled in what’s now known as Puyallup. Once the Meeker family began calling Puyallup their forever home, Ezra became one of the richest and most influential men in Washington. In fact, he became famous across the nation and even the world.
As the first mayor in Puyallup, Ezra spent the next thirty years working as a merchant, a bank president, and also promoting the Northwest, and these were key factors in his success. Ezra also produced a promotional pamphlet and spent a lot of time traveling to the east coast to encourage new immigrants to migrate to the new territory.
After a failed attempt in the hop industry, Meeker then began helping miners by supplying vegetables in the Yukon and Klondike fields. Recognized as an early pioneer, Ezra valued the importance of preserving the history of the western movement and the Oregon Trail. Mr. Meeker spent many years dedicating his life to this.
The Meeker Mansion
Though a lot of the history of the Meeker family was based on the successes of Ezra Meeker, the Meeker Mansion was Eliza’s passion. Built with her own personal money and push, Eliza’s role in the design and look of the mansion is what gives it the charm and memories.
Enriched with columned porches, balconies, decorative trim and eave brackets, the Meeker Mansion has exquisite features that make this property a true piece of the history of Puyallup. Along with a bay window as the focal point on one side, the mansions double parlor extends 24 by 14 feet.
The interior of the mansion is just as splendid as the exterior if not more. The gold tile surrounds the carved details of the home’s fireplace, a major focal point of the double parlor. As you enter the reception parlor, the ash wood stair hall extends from the carriage entrance to the entrance doors. The feature of the sheltered seat sits beneath the stairs’ unique balusters design.
For guests and visitors, the mansion offers a port-cochère that is both convenient and a welcoming touch. This protective covering sits on the site entrance to welcome friends and loved ones into a stained-glass window filled room. After guests arrive they were greeted in the front parlor that served as the reception area complete with an ornate wood fireplace.
As you travel to the second floor, you can find the same luxuries as the first floor. The upstairs parlor faces the east to really capture the light of the morning sun, and the second-floor billiard room, currently under restoration, is filled with charms yet discovered.
The dining room of Meeker Mansion is furnished in beautiful oak with the ceiling painting colors reflecting the designs of the tiled fireplace details. To capture more of the building’s history, the light fixture in the dining room is a reproduction electrolier that would have been dual gas and electric during its era.
The Mansion Today
Today, the Meeker Mansion is one of the town’s most significant and historic places and is run by The Puyallup Historical Society at Meeker Mansion, a private 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. The main goal of the Puyallup Historical Society at Meeker Mansion is to operate and restore and preserve the history of the home and surrounding grounds. The Puyallup Historical Society at Meeker Mansion offers:
- Guided and self-guided tours
- Family days
- Special events
- Weddings
- Private events
- Teas
Living in Puyallup
The rich history of Puyallup is one of the great reasons to live here. If you or a loved one is interested in living in Puyallup, contact me for more information. I would love to show you what this area has to offer, such as the Tacoma Country and Golf Club and find you the perfect home that fits your style, specifications and price range. If you’re selling in Puyallup, let me show you how to stage your home to sell and find you that perfect buyer.
Continue browsing my site for more information or just pick up the phone and contact me today. I look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you home to Puyallup. Let’s get started today.
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