Antiquity And Development Of The Fine Town Hoquiam Castle
Monday, November 15th, 2010In the peaceful town of Hoquiam, State of Washington one can find a real national treasure. Listed in both state and National Historic Registries as a heritage site, it is a masterfully built 19th century Victorian-style home that is more affectionately known by residents and visitors alike as Hoquiam’s Castle. This historic home can be viewed and experienced by those who can reserve in advance since it is being operated as a bed and breakfast.
During the years when the town was a center of trade for lumber, Robert Lytle the so-called lumber baron made his wealth by operating the first electric saw mill that serviced the west coast. With his fortunes, he started building his 10,000 square foot “castle” on a large area over the town.
It took Lytle three years to complete his Victorian era castle and in 1900 he and his family started calling it their home in the quiet town. This was to be their home for the next 10 years or so until the Lytle family decided to move to Portland. The mansion or “castle” as it was more popularly referred to was graciously transferred to the ownership of Theadosia Bale as a wedding gift to their niece from the kind heart of the Lytle family. This was to be her home until the late 1950′s.
The niece, Theadosia Bale, lived in the Victorian mansion for the next 40 years or so, until her death. The Castle as it was already referred to back then, became abandoned and unkept for almost 18 years. During this time the castle became a sort of curiosity for the younger generations who eventually overcome their imaginings that the place was haunted and made it into their adventure zone. The old place got a break when in 1968 it was bought by the Watson’s who repaired the house and soon made it back into a home. It is the Watson’s who also familiarized the residents and visitors to the marvelous craftsmanship and historical value and possible benefit of the residence since they started touring people into their home as proud as they were, this also opened a lot of people’s eyes to the simple truth, that city had a treasure in its midst.
The castle became a mouthpiece for what was and still is good about the town and the people who call it their home. It is one of the witnesses to the towns colorful and eventful past of lumberjacks and railroads, of memories and relations that forever make the town what is it to its residents and visitors, the warm feeling of a fatherly embrace welcoming you back but reminding you at the same time what’s nice and good about being alive.
The bed and breakfast history of the castle was started by a business minded couple who bought the beautiful home and restored and rebuilt it to its old grandeur, reconstructing the five rooms that they offer their would be guests in as much as a supposed castle can in this part of the woods. Guests can both enjoy the many sights and sounds of the city and when they’re done for the night they can slip in and enjoy the old but still functional amenities of the Castle.
The Castle’s bed and breakfast offers its prospective guest five rooms as built by the Carpenter couple a few years back but with new owners, since it was again sold in 2004 to Donna Grow, who runs it with her children. The five rooms offer splendid furniture and beds that lull you into sleep that minute you lay on them, a truly Hoquiam effect is at work here. Hospitality knows no bounds and the owners will be so happy to share with you details of the history of the castle and the rooms and why the structure is aptly known as one of the most beautiful houses in America by no less than National Geographic.
The city is always a place where heritage and tradition is celebrated and honored with internationally renowned events like the Logger’s Playday and the bird watching activities in Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Natural, warm, nurturing attention something the City of Hoquiam and its Castle is never short of.
Ascertain extra about Wade Entezar.
