Four privately owned historic homes in Steilacoom plus the Immaculate Conception Mission will be open to the public from 10:00 until 4:00 on Saturday, May 14th. The tour, presented by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association, will feature structures dating from 1857 through 1962, illustrating several styles of architecture typical of their time periods. Two buildings were built when Washington was still a territory, and one built shortly after Washington achieved statehood. Two are located within the Steilacoom Historic District, which has 30 structures listed and is recognized by the National Register of Historic Sites.
The tour includes the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic mission originally built in 1855 near Fort Steilacoom, and moved to its present location in 1864. It was the first Catholic Church built in Washington and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Services continue to be held in the building, administered by the St. John Bosco Parish.
Two of the homes were built by pioneer settlers, The Balch House by the founder of the town of Steilacoom and the E.R. Rogers House by a seaman and merchant. Engaging stories surrounding these homes range from lunacy to economic ruin to ghost sightings. The two homes built in the 19th century feature garden settings and notable architecture and interiors.
Prices are $20.00 for the general public. Beginning April 23, advance tickets will be available at the Steilacoom Museum, 1801Rainier Street, on weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. or on the day of the event, adjacent to the Bair Drug & Hardware Store at 1617 Lafayette Street. Tickets will also be available online after April 20 at www.steilacoomhistorical.org. Children under10 are discouraged.
On-street parking will be available near four of the stops on the tour. A shuttle bus will provide transportation to the fifth home, which is only accessible by shuttle. Steilacoom restaurants and coffee shops will be open during the day, and the Steilacoom Museum with the 1854 Nathaniel Orr Pioneer Home Site will be open from noon to 5:00.
Proceeds will benefit the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. For further information, please contact the Museum at 253.584.4133.
